Ashley du Preez of Kaizer Chiefs. Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Ahead of Saturday’s highly-anticipated Soweto derby, we identify three focus areas for Chiefs if they hope to secure the win.
Ashley du Preez of Kaizer Chiefs. Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Kaizer Chiefs will come up against their longtime rivals, Orlando Pirates, on Saturday when they face their Soweto neighbours for the first time this season in a DStv Premiership match at the FNB Stadium.
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A full house will watch the resumption of a rivalry that stretches back more than five decades, as Amakhosi look to assert authority over their rivals. Chiefs are aiming to win four league games in a row against Pirates for the first time since completing back-to-back league doubles over Pirates in 1991 and 1992.
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The match, which kicks off at 15:30, is understandably already a sell-out. The game will be televised on SuperSport DStv Channel 202 and SABC, with the build-up beginning at 14:00.
Below are just some of the factors we believe need to go in favour of Chiefs if they hope to have a positive outcome on Saturday.
Some things are somewhat out of the control of Chiefs, but they will be desperately hoping that key striker Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana overcomes an injury niggle, and then is able to rediscover a spark in front of goal.
Khama Billiat also hasn’t had quite the same impact since returning from injury, while Ashley du Preez clearly struggled at times in last weekend’s draw against AmaZulu as Chiefs crashed out of the MTN8.
It’s this calibre of players who need to be firing on all cylinders for Chiefs to truly challenge for a much-needed win, while they will also be desperately hoping that captain Itumeleng Khune can return to the team to provide leadership and experience for such a big game.
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So far this season in the DStv Premiership, Pirates have conceded just six goals, which has been a key factor for them considering they have only scored nine times.
In fact, across all competitions this season, the Buccaneers have kept a clean sheet on nine occasions as they’ve employed a highly effective defensive system.
Considering some of the struggles that Chiefs have had in front of goal, there is no doubt that their ability to make the most of opportunities will be a crucial factor on Saturday, especially if they have to cope without Bimenyimana.
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There is no doubt that Saleng is a real dangerman for Pirates, with the 24-year-old having enjoyed a sensational start to the season, while he will be brimming with confidence after his two superbly taken goals in the famous victory over Sundowns this past weekend
Saleng boasts real mobility and skill, which is sure to challenge the Amakhosi defence, and he has also formed a dynamic partnership with another in-form player Kermit Erasmus.
There is probably no player who will come into this game with as much confidence as Saleng after his latest heroics, and Chiefs will quite understandably need to place a spotlight on him.
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