Orlando Pirates tipped to hold their nerve in the derby

Former Sea Robbers striker Phumudzo Manenzhe believes that Orlando Pirates will have the edge in the Soweto Derby.

Orlando Pirates tipped in the Soweto derby

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Manenzhe feels that Orlando Pirates have more big-match players in their ranks.

“The difference is going to be on players with big match temperament,” Manenzhe said according to GOAL.

“I would like to think Jose Riveiro is happy to have one of his star players back. At Orlando Pirates, we feel like we made a big signing by welcoming [Thembinkosi] Lorch back. It has been five months with him out.

“It feels like he is a new player for us. In his first game, he announced himself to say I’m back now and he returns with a goal and a secondary assist. They know him at Naturena.

“The problem is when there is Lorch, then [Monnapule] Saleng and another player upfront to finish off. So you have those two players you have to deal with.”

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Midfield domination

The PSL veteran believes that Pirates will also be set to dominate midfield while Monnapule Saleng will give them the edge up front.

“Then there is Miguel Timm who plays as if his feet are inside a cooler box, cool, calm and collected. I think that’s where the difference will be in this game,” said Manenzhe.

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“Lorch is a game-winner, Saleng is a game-winner. Saleng should be discussed in the top-five players of this season. Nine goals, five assists.”

Kaizer Chiefs won the reverse fixture in the 2022/23 PSL season thanks to a long-range stunner from Yusuf Maart.

This time around Kaizer Chiefs host Orlando Pirates at the FNB Stadium on Saturday 25 February from 15:30.

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