Orlando Pirates striker Tshegofatso Mabasa says Kaizer Chiefs’ poor defensive record is an area of weakness that they must exploit in the Soweto derby on Saturday.
Chiefs have conceded 16 goals, the third worst defence in the league, keeping just two clean sheets in their 14 PSL matches, while Pirates have the joint best backline that has let in just five in 11.
That has seen a number of teams take advantage of Chiefs’ leaky defence and Mabasa admits it will be something he and his team-mates will be looking to take advantage of in the blockbuster clash at a sold-out FNB Stadium.
Pirates must exploit Chiefs’ defence
“Look, definitely, it's been a bit of a problem for them in terms of keeping clean sheets, so it's all about the weaknesses that we find when we analyse them,” said Mabasa as per SABC.
“Hopefully we can take advantage of that going into Saturday's game – the biggest thing is that we know we have quality players, and we obviously create a lot of chances through the information we get from our analysts and coaches.
“So, it's just been a matter of sharpening our scoring skills, like I've been saying for the past couple of months – people are yet to see what this team is made of.
“This season, look, we've managed to take the chances that have come our way, and that's why we have managed to score so many goals, so I think it's just a matter of taking our chances [against Chiefs],” added the striker, who has nine goals and an assist so far this season.
Can Bucs close gap on Sundowns?
Mabasa says Pirates are looking to close the gap on leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who have 33 points to their 27, having played two more games than the Buccaneers.
Pirates know a defeat would raise questions on their title credentials, even if they have two games in hand over Sundowns, adding onto the pressure to win on Saturday.
“The coach has drilled it into our mindset that we should take this as any other game – it's an important game, I think a six-pointer come to think of it, in terms of bragging rights as well,” said the former Bloemfontein Celtic forward.
“So, as for preparation, one has been doing what he has always done – staying after training sessions, just to sharpen off on the finishing skills, and a few crosses, one-on-one drills, so it's been that sort of week for me so far.”
Riveiro’s team have fearsome attack
Besides Mabasa, Pirates also have Evidence Makgopa (seven goals), Relebohile Mofokeng (eight goals, 11 assists) and Mohau Nkota (four goals, two assists) as their other attacking options while Patrick Maswanganyi (four goals and an assist), Kabelo Dlamini (two goals and seven assists) and Thelete Mbatha (four goals and one assist) provide the threat from midfield.
Chiefs have lost the last three Soweto derbies, their last victory against Pirates coming in February 2023, adding onto the pressure for coach Nasreddine Nabi and his men.
