It’s Derby Day
Soweto at standstill as Chiefs, Bucs battle
KAIZER Chiefs coach Steve Komphela is clearly growing increasingly frustrated at what is‚ in fact‚ a plainly incorrect common perception that his team play with five defenders.
Komphela said this week‚ ahead of today’s Soweto derby against Orlando Pirates at FNB Stadium‚ that Chiefs “have never parked the bus”.
He pointed out that his 3-4-3 formation – which utilises three centre-back defenders‚ two wingbacks on the side of two central midfielders‚ and three forwards – can be very flexible for defence and attacking‚ and has been recently replicated at his opponents today‚ Pirates.
“Could we think back to a match where you could say that Chiefs parked the bus? And then‚ as soon as we identified that match‚ we break it down‚ and then facts would show you that it never happened – at no stage‚” said Komphela.
“I don’t remember Chiefs parking the bus. However there were statements made that we parked the bus. Sometimes what we hear might not necessarily be what is. Somebody says something is green. The fact that it’s green‚ and then you look at it‚ it shouldn’t be.
“You have to use your own objective assessment on‚ is it really green? Independent listening‚ independent thinking.
“Not dependant on somebody’s statements.” What galls Komphela more is that Pirates counterpart Milutin Sredojevic has largely been praised since he started successfully utilising the same formation following a 3-0 Nedbank Cup shock at the hands of Ajax Cape Town‚ resulting in three victories since.
“I can count his (Sredojevic’s) team. Whether it’s Gladwin Shitolo‚ Ntsikelelo Nyauza or Happy Jele (in defence)‚ then Innocent Maela‚ Mthokozisi Dube (at wingback)‚ then Marshall Munetsi‚ Musa Nyatama (in midfield)‚ Justin Shonga (upfront)‚” said Komphela.
“He’s got three defenders and seven attackers. We’ve got three defenders and seven attackers. Who’s parking the bus?
“Because we were misled to think that. Sometimes when statements are made we have to listen.
“As soon as it gets into the ear‚ send it to the brain. And then start rationalising with one’s self.
“Because sometimes you just listen and take it and say it’s gospel truth. When in fact it is misleading. It is not true.
“Chiefs have never parked the bus. For the first time in my life I defend a position at Chiefs.
“Because we take it on the chin every time. That’s what professionals are. But this time I’m saying there’s nothing like that.
“Whoever said that must go and check what the meaning of parking the bus is‚ in relation to Kaizer Chiefs.”
Chiefs are unbeaten in 10 league and cup matches.
Meanwhile, Sredojevic has said that Pirates have at times trained with two goalkeepers to prepare for the prospect of trying to score past Kaizer Chiefs’ superhero keeper Itumeleng Khune.
Second-placed Pirates’ improved form in the second half of the season ahead of the Soweto derby against Bucs’ old enemy is due to improved dynamism going forward and finishing.
Asked what Pirates have done to achieve better finishing‚ Sredojevic said: “There are so many aspects. We experiment in training and in friendly matches.
“We do tactical experiments in friendlies. In training sessions we work on exactly what has been missed.When you repeat something several times it becomes automism (sic). So we are driving towards automism. Instead of thinking about missing so many chances we look at the mathematics to create as many as possible so that in percentage the conversion ratio is much better.
THE Queensland Reds grafted an Australian Super Rugby derby win over ACT Brumbies as Waikato Chiefs came from behind to extend their dominance over the Auckland Blues yesterday.
The Reds downed the Brumbies 18-10 to overcome a horror opening to the new season, with captain Scott Higginbotham and lock Lukhan Tui both suspended in the aftermath of last week’s ill-disciplined loss to the Melbourne Reds.
It was former All Blacks forward Brad Thorn’s first win as Reds coach as his young side ground their way to victory with all their points coming from penalty goals.
The Brumbies, last season’s Australian conference champions, scored tries through Joe Powell and Isi Naisarani, but the Reds got home through three penalties each by James Tuttle and Jono Lance.
“I thought our set-piece did exceptionally well tonight,” Reds skipper James Slipper said.
Meanwhile at Eden Park, the Chiefs kept their unbeaten run against their NZ rivals The Blues with a 27-21 win. — AFP