Kaizer Chiefs: FIVE big decisions to make for Soweto derby

Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates will clash in the Soweto derby in just 5 days with FIVE big decisions needed to be made by Stuart Baxter.

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With the return of key players and Mzansi’s biggest match fast approaching, Baxter has FIVE big decisions to make when selecting his team to face the Buccaneers on Saturday, 5 March 2022.

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KAIZER CHIEFS AND STUART BAXTERS DECISIVE FIVE DECISIONS

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Every man selected by Baxter will need to be ready to give 110% and to go to war for Amakhosi.

He will need to get the balance of experience and youth perfect. Experience to bring calm to the team when the pressure is on and youth for creativity, energy and spark. Several players have returned from injury while many positions are being hotly contested.

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Here are the FIVE big decisions Chiefs need to make:

CHIEFS STARTING GOALKEEPER – BRANDON PETERSON OR ITUMELENG KHUNE?

Peterson has started all three of Chiefs’ matches this year.

He had back-to-back clean sheets in the DStv Premiership against Cape Town City and Baroka FC.

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However, Khune is one of, if not, the most experienced players in the Soweto derby. He knows the pressure and the in’s and out’s of how to deal with such high pressure and intensity. He was voted in goal by Amakhosi supporters when they won the Carling Black Label Cup. Khune was extremely instrumental during Warriors FC triumph in the first-ever DStv Compact Cup.

One save could prove the difference between winning and losing. Kennedy Mweene proved this when he made an excellent save from the top corner in extra time against Pitso Mosimane’s AL Ahly.

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SAMIR NURKOVIC OR BERNARD PARKER?

Nurkovic finally made his return after missing over 6 months of action.

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He has scored a cracking goal in this derby before but Parker is set to return, according to Kaizer Chiefs official website. It is hard to see Amakhosi’s captain missing out, given his experience in this match and the leadership he brings to the field. Nurkovic is back and available so it is up to Baxter’s tactics, the front three he wants to use to try to unlock Pirates’ defence.

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BACK FOUR OR BACK 5?

Baxter has deployed a back five in recent matches, opting for for three centre-backs.

This has brought his side a lot of security at the back with Amakhosi holding clean sheets in both their PSL matches this year. However, it has made them slower on the counter attack. If they want to ensure they don’t lose then five defenders can do that but a draw will not please Amakhosi fans, they want to win on Saturday.

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RETURNING AMAKHOSI STARS – WHO SHOULD START?

Leonardo Castro, S’fiso Hlanti, Lebogang Manyama, Njabulo Ngcobo, Nurkovic and Parker are all available.

Manyama and Castro saw some minutes off the bench against Baroka. All of these players have held regular positions in the starting line-up but rhythm and continuity will be key for Amakhosi. Hlanti is the most experienced left-back but he has not featured for months.

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Manyama is a fan favourite but the same can be said for him, he has hardly featured due to injury. Parker is likely to return with Castro, Nurkovic and Manyama on the bench. Hlanti could return to the starting line up because of his experience but this is up to how Baxter feels about his fitness.

Ngcobo recovered from a HORRENDOUS INJURY where he could hardly walk! He is back in training but unlikely to be rushed into the starting side.

SABELO RADEBE AND NJABULO NCGOBO

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These youngsters are certainly knocking at the door. Radebe produced an excellent assist to Khama Billiat in the 95th minute for the match-winner. He is knocking at the door of the starting line-up. In contrast, Ngcobo is simply too good to not play.

He has everything – speed, skill, fitness, clinical finishing, creativity and will cause the Bucs defenders headaches every time he has the ball.

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