Derbies take centre stage
FOLLOWING their 1 – 1 draw in last season’s Soweto derby, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates will battle for three points when they renew their rivalry in the Diski Challenge on Sunday at Vosloorus Stadium.
It’s been an inconsistent seven matches for both Soweto giants – as they would have wanted to be among the pace-setters at this time of the season. However, Chiefs are 10th on the standings with nine points due to their poor conversion of chances upfront. Their 10-0 hammering of Chippa United three weeks ago was a tiny drop in the ocean when you look at the number of chances that they’ve failed to put away.
As a result, after their 2 -1 defeat to Wits last Sunday, even coach Arthur Zwane suggested that they are on the brink of having their title aspirations ended, and only his troops can fight their way back to championship material in the eight remaining matches.
“It was very easy for us to win the league this season – it was there for the taking. We threw it away, because this is one game that can kill everything for us and make our lives difficult. It’s gone, we gave it away. We don’t want it, unless, these boys can prove us wrong,”Zwane said.
Considering their disappointing start to their season, Pirates will be hoping to revive their league form through the downfall of their arch-rivals. The Bucs are currently 13th- placed on the log with a mere five points. The arrival of coach Mandla Qhogi – the successor to Reyaan Jacobs – and captain Augustine Mahlonoko into the Sea Robbers’ camp is yet to prove fruitful. They’ve only won once, drawn twice and lost four times. However, playing in a derby triggers self-motivation. Hence, this could be the match that improves or deteriorates their season.
Meanwhile, Mamelodi Sundowns’ pre-season talk of reclaiming the title from Golden Arrows is yet to be backed by a performance on the field. They started the season well, collecting eight points in their first four matches. But all that advantaged was squandered in the last three games as they’ve only bagged one point from three matches.
Coach David Notoane acknowledged that they have the personnel, but lacked the killer instinct. The Brazilians are seven points adrift from leaders Cape Town City with eight games to go. Tomorrow, they’ll be hoping to return to winning ways when they face SuperSport United in the Tshwane derby at Vosloorus Stadium.
However, neighbours SuperSport won’t be walkovers as they are seventh on the log and only four points behind the Citizens.
Matsantsantsa are still in the title race with their attacking department – made up of Darren Smith and Khanyisile Mayo – has been rampant upfront. Smith and Mayo have each scored six goals this season.