Orlando Pirates vs Kaizer Chiefs

Orlando Pirates take on Kaizer Chefs in two Soweto derbies in 2 weeks.

Pirates vs Chiefs: Where the Soweto derby could be won & lost

Orlando Pirates welcome Kaizer Chiefs to the FNB Stadium on Saturday with bragging rights and three points at stake.

Orlando Pirates vs Kaizer Chiefs

Orlando Pirates take on Kaizer Chefs in two Soweto derbies in 2 weeks.

Orlando Pirates welcome Kaizer Chiefs to the FNB Stadium on Saturday with bragging rights and three points at stake.

ALSO: Get fired up and bet on all the drama of local diski

Kick-off is at 15:30.

The two Soweto giants go into this titanic clash sitting close to each other on the DStv Premiership log with Pirates placed fourth and Chiefs fifth.

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However, it is Pirates who go into this Soweto derby with their tails up after demolishing Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 second leg semi-final.

For Chiefs, their exit from the competition where they played to a goalless draw with AmaZulu, makes them the underdogs.

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But everyone knows that the Soweto derby is a different occasion and a different ball game for both the players and coaches.

The South African website takes a look at where this Soweto derby could be won and lost on Saturday afternoon.

Orlando Pirates Kaizer Chiefs
Orlando Pirates supporters. Photo: Twitter @OrlandoPirates

PIRATES VS CHIEFS: WHERE COULD THE SOWETO DERBY BE WON AND LOST?

Pirates coach Jose Riveiro prefers a 3-4-1-2 formation while Chiefs mentor Arthur Zwane has often stuck to his 4-3-3 system.

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What is common knowledge is that Pirates rely heavily on speed – from their full-backs to their wingers – and that will definitely give Chiefs problems.

Pirates have Monnapule Saleng on the right-hand side of their midfield, and they also have Thabiso Monyane who often goes up and down.

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And for Chiefs, their left-hand side isn’t that strong when it comes to marking – S’fiso Hlanti is slow and often takes time to recover while Kgaogelo Sekgota still has to work on his marking game.

That could leave Chiefs exposed while also their right-hand side isn’t that effective with no natural right winger except for Kamohelo Mahlatsi who isn’t a regular.

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The central midfield is filled with talented midfielders from both sides, but it is Pirates who often appear to dominate as they play with two central defensive midfielders and a creative in Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo.

For Chiefs, their central midfielders haven’t clicked, they often look disjointed when Chiefs are chasing a game.

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Khama Billiat and Keagan Dolly are often forced to go back and help out with defending, and that makes it difficult for Chiefs to get into the final third quick enough after recovering the ball.

Chiefs are blunt upfront without Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana who is injured. Ashley du Preez hasn’t given them much in big matches.

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While Sekgota is doing his best to create goalscoring chances, he isn’t scoring goals and Pirates could deal with him easily by cutting the supply.

What seems to be the easiest way for Chiefs to score against Pirates is through deadball situations with Dolly often on target.

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There are a number of options for Pirates upfront as they boast Kermit Erasmus, Bienvenu Eva Nga and Kwame Peprah, and whoever gets the chance to start will certainly a handful for Chiefs defenders.