Momentum key for chasing glamour clubs
JOHANNESBURG: Following crucial wins last week, both Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates will be desperate to build on that momentum and put pressure on Absa Premiership log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.
It is in fact, Pirates who briefly halted the Brazilians run-away train a week ago with a 3-1 win at Loftus Versfeld to reduce the gap to five points after 17 matches.
While the number of points mean Sundowns haven’t yet built an unassailable lead at the summit, the inability of the two Soweto giants to maintain their consistency has hurt them.
Chiefs travel to struggling Baroka FC for Sunday’s league clash and look to unleash striker Leonardo Castro (pictured) for the first time in Amakhosi colours.
The Colombian has been waiting for a work permit since joining from Sundowns this month.
He, however, still lacks match fitness, but could be gradually introduced.
The Buccaneers will enjoy a home fixture this weekend when they face a Limpopo side in Polokwane City, who were beaten 2-1 by Amakhosi last Saturday, tomorrow night at the Orlando Stadium.
Both Chiefs and Pirates can no longer afford to slip up, especially given the recent transfer activity.
Although they have strengthened their squads – Amakhosi with the recruiting of Castro and Siphelele Ntshangase and the Buccaneers with more defensive acquisitions in Diamond Thopola and Phetso Maphanga – Sundowns boosted their side with impressive attackers.
Jeremy Brockie joined from SuperSport United, Cape Town City finally accepted an offer for Aubrey Ngoma and Gastòn Sirino arrived from Bolivia – all attacking options that could tilt the title race in favour of the Brazilians.
Sundowns will expect an immediate impact from Brockie if he makes his debut against Platinum Stars.
Chiefs suffered a shock defeat to Baroka in September, with fans tearing down barricades at the Moses Mabhida Stadium demanding answers from football manager Bobby Motaung and calling for coach Steve Komphela’s head.
Despite holding on to his job, the coach is still only a bad result away from rubbing the supporters up the wrong way – and Baroka are always a tough nut to crack for the Glamour Boys since their promotion to the elite league.
Ntshangase should be an important feature on Sunday as he comes up against his former teammates, while Polokwane City will again fancy their chances having twice gone toeto-toe with Pirates this season in the league and the cup.
A league encounter in September finished 2-2, with the hosts City pretty much in the driving seat until striker Thamsanqa Gabuza struck late to earn them a point.
Pirates weren’t so fortunate in the quarter-finals of the Telkom Knockout two months later as they were booted out by Rise and Shine. These two sides should test the resolve and consistency of Pirates and Chiefs.