Chiefs and Pirates fans. Image: BackpagePix
Five reasons why Kaizer Chiefs will finish above Orlando Pirates this season
Look away, Orlando Pirates fans, because Kaizer Chiefs look set to finish above you in the league this season.
Chiefs and Pirates fans. Image: BackpagePix
Kaizer Chiefs haven’t had things all their own way this season but here’s why they’ll finish above archrivals Orlando Pirates in 2022-23.
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Five reasons why Kaizer Chiefs will finish above Orlando Pirates this season
Amakhosi now five points above the Buccaneers
The table doesn’t lie. Chiefs capitalized on Pirates’ defeat at Sundowns on Friday with an impressive 2-0 win at Golden Arrows the following day, stretching their lead over Pirates to five points. Amakhosi’s win over Pirates before the World Cup seems to have left some mental scars on the Buccaneers, and it also turned out to be a fitting farewell for Njabulo Blom.
Chiefs will open their cheque book
It seems a matter of time before the Glamour Boys make one or two glamorous signings befitting of the club’s stature. Pule Mmodi and Katlego Otladisa have both been linked and it would be a shock if Chiefs didn’t add at least one of these quality attackers to their ranks. Who knows, perhaps one or two surprise names are on the cards too? Pirates have already added a few names to their squad, but they’ll need to gel with the group and Jose Riveiro’s major challenge is getting goals from his existing players.
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Orlando Pirates fixtures aren’t pretty and injuries are mounting
The Buccaneers will have to cope without key duo Richard Ofori and Olisa Ndah for the whole of January which is hardly ideal, given how busy their schedule is about to get. Add Thembinkosi Lorch’s name to that list too while you’re at it, because nobody seems to know how long he’ll be out for.
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Form means everything
Pirates have won just one of their last six DStv Premiership encounters. Although that was before the enforced World Cup break, it’s a trend that will be deeply worrying for manager Jose Riveiro. The Buccaneers will be desperate for a strong start to the second half of the season, but their fixtures look tricky. Added to that, their struggles in front of goal will continue to plague them; they’ve scored just nine times in 14 league encounters. It’s not good enough. Extrapolate that over the calendar year 2022, and Pirates scored just 47 times in 42 matches at an average of 1.12 goals per game.
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Kaizer Chiefs have more exciting young players
Amakhosi’s famed youth academy within Naturena is a conveyor belt for young talent. Mduduzi Shabalala is about to be unleashed on the PSL, Mdundo “Obrigado” Vilakazi is earning rave reviews and there are a few more. Exciting times. Sure, Njabulo Blom is leaving the club, but Samkelo Zwane is ready to be integrated into the first-team football. He started and impressed against Golden Arrows at the base of midfield.
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What do you think? Where will Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates finish in the league this season?
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Meanwhile, you can get more insights, analysis and love for the beautiful game from James Freemantle
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