PLOT THICKENS FOR HOT DERBY
Chiefs plan to pull rug under rivals
Orlando Pirates’ assistant coach Rhulani Mokwena has broken down the way Orlando Pirates see Kaizer Chiefs as playing‚ and how they see Amakhosi defensive midfielder Willard Katsande as the key cog in that gameplan.
Mokwena‚ one of the brightest prospects in SA football coaching‚ revealed a respect for the manner in which Chiefs coach Giovanni Solinas has rotated his players ahead of Saturday’s sold-out first Soweto derby of the season in an Absa Premiership matchup at FNB Stadium.
Solinas again cleverly fielded a mixed-strength team in Amakhosi’s Telkom Knockout last-16 clash against Black Leopards at FNB on Sunday.
Chiefs had some nervous moments‚ but ultimately the Italian was able to get away with it as Amakhosi managed to progress to the quarterfinals 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 result by the end of extra time.
“Without revealing too much‚ we’ve already started our work on Chiefs‚” said Mokwena.
“The Fifa break gave us an opportunity to start our analysis a couple of weeks ago.
“The one thing about Chiefs is that the coach [Solinas] has been extremely smart in how he uses his squad.
“He uses Emmanuel NtiyaNtiya [at left-back]‚ then he uses Godfrey Walusimbi.
“The two centre-backs are not always the same. It’s Ngezana‚ then at times you’ll find Mario Booysen‚ at times Daniel Cardoso and at times Mathoho.
“There’s not a lot of rotation that happens in the midfield. Willard Katsande is always the focal point and an important part of the axis‚ and the foundation of the team.
“A very matured player. A very important player for them.
“He’s important for the phases of the game‚ because even though they change the lineup‚ the game model and the way they behave on the pitch remains the same.
“You will always find the goalkeepers initiating the buildup phase. You will find the centrebacks splitting‚ fullbacks trying to be as high as possible.
“And they want to build from the back‚ and that’s where they actually are the most dangerous.”
Pirates are in second place from four wins‚ four draws and two defeats going into the derby.
Chiefs are in third from three wins‚ five draws and two losses.