Saturday’s Carling Black Label Cup clash between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates promises to be a mouth-watering clash, with the Buccaneers seeking revenge against Amakhosi. Pirates suffered a surprising 1-0 defeat to Chiefs in the DStv Premiership match two weeks ago.
The two sides are set to meet in the semi-final of the competition to determine the finalist, that will later on in the day, take on the winner between Mamelodi Sundowns and AmaZulu.
This competition is generally deemed as friendly, however, when the two Soweto giants come out of the tunnel, it brings forth emotions and ends up being nothing but serious business on the pitch. One thing is for sure, no team wants to lose a Soweto derby, and there are no friendlies when it comes to a meeting between Chiefs and Pirates.
Before the previous Soweto derby, Arthur Zwane’s charges weren’t doing well, but certainly got the better of their arch-rivals, and this will definitely have elevated their confidence. Meanwhile, Pirates are also flying high after winning MTN8, and with both teams on a high, the clash should produce fireworks.
Where Chiefs could pose a threat?
The Glamour Boys have agility when attacking, utilising the speed of Khama Billiat, Keagan Dolly and Kgaogelo Sekgota. In the clubs’ previous meeting, the Buccaneers defence struggled somewhat to contain them properly. Billiat is likely to play as false 9, and will be a threat with Sekgota and Dolly from the wings, and Nkosingiphile Ngcobo from the midfield feeding the front men.
Chiefs’ weakness
The most notable change in the Amakhosi’s starting line-up is the inclusion of Erick Mathoho who received enough votes to make the cut. With his experience, he can solidify his side’s defence, but he’ll be up against the in-form forwards in Kermit Erasmus and Monnapule Saleng, who have been terrorising teams lately. Sitting on the stands for a long time can also make a good player rusty, and the opponents will look to exploit that.
Where Pirates could pose a threat?
The return of Miguel Timm will free Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo to be more offensive, knowing that there’s someone to count on defensively. Now, we all know that he’ll reinforce the attack, and it will look better than the last time they played Chiefs.
Again, Erasmus and Saleng are the main characters for Jose Riveiro against Amakhosi’s defence that has been leaky this season. The duo will also rely on Ndlondlo and Fortune Makaringe for the build up of attacks.
Pirates’ weakness
Nkosinathi Sibisi along with Olisa Ndah have been the wall for the Buccaneers this season, but the former Golden Arrows defender suffered a calf injury in the last match and won’t be available. Innocent Maela will fill his spot, and as much as he can play as a centre-back, this will be a new partnership with the Nigerian defender. Considering Chiefs’ attack, they could be forced into making mistakes.
A look at the starting line-ups
Kaizer Chiefs:
Brandon Peterson, Erick Mathoho, Njabulo Ngcobo, S’fiso Hlanti, Edmilson Dove, Kgaogelo Sekgota, Yusuf Maart, Njabulo Blom, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, Keagan Dolly & Khama Billiat
Orlando Pirates:
Richard Ofori, Olisa Ndah, Innocent Maela, Paseka Mako, Thabiso Monyane, Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo, Miguel Timm, Ben Motshwari, Fortune Makaringe, Kermit Erasmus, Monnapule Saleng
Also read:
Makhaula on Carling Black Label Cup: ‘People will be shocked’
Carling Black Label Cup: Previous winners since 2011
