Orlando Pirates host bitter rivals Kaizer Chiefs in the first installment of the Soweto derby on Saturday February 1 at the FNB Stadium.
The match was sold-out two weeks before kickoff, showing the level of excitement, and both teams have expressed confidence of collecting maximum points.
However, Pirates head into the fixture as the stronger team of the two as they are second on the table with a six-point lead over fifth-placed Chiefs and with a game in hand.
The Buccaneers have also won the last three Soweto derbies and there are a number of reasons why they will come out on top again on Saturday.
Pirates’ efficiency
Unlike Chiefs who create so many chances and waste most of them, Pirates know how to finish off their chances.
The Buccaneers do not need to create a lot but have players who are capable of finishing off their opportunities while they also possess talents that have come up with clutch moments, which might settle the derby.
Tight defence
Another thing that Pirates are superior to Chiefs is their defence. Jose Riveiro’s team do not easily concede and that is why they have let in just five goals in 11 matches, the joint best defence, alongside Mamelodi Sundowns.
With their efficiency therefore, Pirates will likely get a goal or two and shut shop, which will make life difficult for Chiefs.
Derby matches can, however, be chaotic but based on what has been witnessed this season, Chiefs look like they would be on the receiving end if that happens as they rarely keep clean sheets.
Chiefs’ shaky defence
Pirates must be salivating at the prospect of taking on Chiefs as the Amakhosi backline is always shaky and leaking.
Chiefs have so far conceded 16 league goals in 14 matches with only AmaZulu (19) and Marumo Gallants (23) letting in more.
This is not just down to the fact that the Amakhosi back four has been making mistakes but also the way the team plays with coach Nasressdine Nabi’s carefree style seeing them leave themselves exposed to counter-attacks in nearly all matches this season.
Good attack
Pirates head into the match with two top strikers in Tshegofatso Mabasa (nine goals, one assist) and Evidence Makgopa (seven goals) and then there is Relebohile Mofokeng (eight goals, 11 assists) and Mohau Nkota (four goals, two assists) adding firepower from the wings.
Add in Patrick Maswanganyi (four goals and an assist), Kabelo Dlamini (two goals and seven assists) and Thelete Mbatha (four goals and one assist) and Chiefs have a big problem.
Pirates’ danger can come from anywhere on the pitch which will be a big issue to deal with for Nabi’s team.
Home ground advantage
While the match will be held at the FNB Stadium, which is used by Chiefs as their home venue, Pirates are the home team this time and will enjoy the lion’s share of the supporters.
That means an extra lift for the Bucs at a much bigger venue than their Orlando Stadium and having been sold-out two weeks ago, Pirates can expect a great push.
The other thing that will worry Chiefs is Pirates’ formidable record at home as in 16 matches at their backyard, they have won 12, drawn two and lost as many, a scary statistic for the Glamour Boys.
