We look at a few things Kaizer Chiefs will need to do to secure an unlikely victory over their Soweto rivals on Saturday afternoon.
Thabo Cele, Gaston Sirino must “cook” in midfield
Midfielder Thabo Cele has been impressive since joining the Glamour Boys in January. However, results have still been hard to achieve, and he will have to raise his game ahead of his first potential Soweto Derby start against a possession-hungry and wounded Orlando Pirates central midfield, following their recent back-to-back losses.
The “Mayor of KwaMashu” as he is popularly known has been critical in launching Kaizer Chiefs’ attack from deep in the midfield and is yet to register a goal or assist but will need to achieve one or both to give his club the edge on Saturday.
Gaston Sirino has been missing in action following his suspension, and a fired up Sirino can always decide matches with moments of brilliance. Chiefs will need his experience and match-winning skills on the field.
The Uruguayan has scored three goals and provided six assists in all competitions for Amakhosi this season, making him the prime chance creator for the team this season.
Exploit Pirates’ set-piece problems
It would not be surprising to see Amakhosi coach Nabi Nasreddine hand a start to the 1.83m tall Tashreeq Morris or bring back Ranga Chivaviro (1.80m) into the fold.
This may help to bully the Pirates defence when it comes to set-pieces, an area of the game that has played a big role in the Bucs’ recent losses against Pyramids and Sekhukhune United.
Morris also allows quicker players to feed off the second ball, which will help the likes of Makabi Lilepo, Ashley Du Preez or Pule Mmodi to penetrate Orlando Pirates’ pockets in defence.
Contain Mofokeng, Nkota & Hotto
Kaizer Chiefs will have to starve these wingers of the ball if they want to limit their rival’s attacking threats and make sure they don’t get a chance to make runs behind the defence.
Chiefs cannot afford to sit back and wait only to break on the counter, but will have to keep Pirates wingers and wingbacks busy defensively but keeping possession.
Coach Nabi may be tempted to bring back Reeve Frosler to the squad to strengthen the squad with his experience and ability to play on both flanks.
Captain Inacio Miguel’s return
Amakhosi will welcome the return of captain Inacio Miguel to the field after being kept on the bench in the recent loss against Gallants due to facing a possible suspension for the Soweto Derby.
The Angolan did a sterling job against Tshegofatso Mabasa and Evidence Makgopa in the last Derby and will be a welcome boost to the Amakhosi defence.
Decisions in the final third
Coach Nasreddine Nabi has bemoaned the lack of efficiency in front of goal despite numerous chances being created throughout the season. This will need to change in the Soweto derby without top goalscorer Wandile Duba, who is suspended for the clash.
Kaizer Chiefs will need to score first to restore their team confidence whilst creating more doubt in the recently leaky Orlando Pirates defence, possibly leading to Bucs becoming more vulnerable when searching for an equalizer.