CHIEFS:

HOW TO BEAT BUCS

THE ODDS are against Kaizer Chiefs ahead of the much-anticipated Soweto Derby between Amakhosi and Orlando Pirates tomorrow at FNB Stadium. The Soweto giants will lock horns with each other at 3.30pm in an Absa Premiership showdown.

But as they always say, statistics and form don’t count in derby matches.

looks at five points that can help Chiefs end their barren run of five years against Pirates.

CHIEFS SHOULD STRIVE TO SCORE FIRST

Amakhosi have surrendered a lead on two occasions this season. Ironically, one came against Pirates in the first Soweto Derby. They also led 2-0 against Bloemfontein Celtic and ended up sharing the spoils in a 2-2 stalemate. Amakhosi normally don’t lose when they score first. They will be striving to do the same tomorrow and end their barren run against their bitter rivals.

PIRATES ARE NOT RESOLUTE AT THE BACK

Pirates have really struggled to find a solid partnership in the heart of defence. It has been Happy Jele and Marshall Munetsi, Jele and Marcel, or Jele and Alfred Ndengane. Pirates haven’t kept a clean sheet in their last four league matches. Under pressure that Pirates’ defence cracks, Chiefs will need Khama Billiat and Leonardo Castro to be at their best. If they are on fire, they will be difficult to stop. Castro has netted twice in his last three games against the Buccaneers. He seems to relish these clashes.

HUNGER AND AN IRON WILL TO WIN

Chiefs haven’t tasted victory against Bucs in the last 11 games. The last time they defeated Pirates was back in 2014 in the league. That’s a long time. Maybe the players will come out guns blazing to end that barren run and earn the bragging rights on the day. They might not be on form but determination, cohesion and hunger might prove to be their main weapons. A derby is about who wants it more on the day. The fact that they have not beaten Pirates in a long time should be enough motivation for Chiefs’ players to go out and end their barren run against their sworn rivals.

PIRATES MUST GUARD AGAINST COMPLACENCY

Pirates are favourites to win this game. They haven’t lost in their last 14 league encounters. They are also unbeaten against Chiefs in the last 11 games. They are third on the PSL log. The Buccaneers are playing some of the best football around. On the other hand, Chiefs are struggling. It is easy for Pirates to be complacent and think they will sweep past Amakhosi. That could see their downfall.

DOMINATE THE MIDFIELD BATTLE

Most of the action will be in the middle of the park. Both sides boast very talented players in the middle of the field. Pirates have Xola Mlambo, Musa Nyatama and Ben Motshwari. On the other hand, Chiefs posses proven stars like Willard Katsande, Hendrick Ekstein and Siphelele Ntshangase. These players will control the pace of the game. Whoever wins the midfield battle will also walk away with the three points. So, Katsande, Ntshangase and Ekstein will be key for Chiefs.