Chiefs out to ruin Bucs’ party
IN A match that divides family allegiance, Xola Mlambo’s household in Dobsonville, Soweto, will have an exception.
You see, the day Orlando Pirates tied the knot with Mlambo, his entire household voluntarily became part of the package. And it will be on the shoulders of the 27-year-old playmaker to represent his family with distinction today when the Buccaneers meet arch rivals Kaizer Chiefs in a Premiership Soweto Derby.
It’s already been a fairytale season for the Mlambos as Xola was instrumental in his team’s two back-to-back wins against Chiefs – in the league and Cup competition. However, this encounter serves yet another greater purpose as Pirates are looking to close on log leaders Bidvest Wits whom they trail by five points with only 12 matches to go.
“There are family members who, when I grew up, were supporting Chiefs, and some of them supported Pirates,” Mlambo said.
“But at this moment, I fully believe that everyone is behind Pirates. The most interesting part is having to make history and getting the good results out of it.”
Despite the urge to be on the winning team this afternoon, Mlambo is aware that won’t be easy as Amakhosi are eager to avenge three successive defeats to the Sea Robbers.
Realistically, Chiefs go into this encounter merely tfor bragging rights – as their title aspirations are a bit far-fetched as they trail Wits by 10 points.
Furthermore, this could be their perfect opportunity to be party poopers to Pirates’ title aspirations. However, the former Wits’ player suggests that they’ll do all means necessary to bring their A-game.
“To be honest, Kaizer Chiefs have been playing good football and they’ve been dominating most of their games that they played and were just unfortunate of not getting wins in all of them,” Mlambo said.
“We’ll give them the respect that they deserve but we’ll focus on our team as well and try to give our utmost best as we normally do in every game that we face.”
Many might argue that this contest will be won in the engine room, where the “magic” will be brewed.
It’s where Mlambo specialises for Pirates, while Chiefs will have their hopes pinned on the shoulders of the reinvigorated Hendrick Ekstein.
Mlambo has shrugged off those suggestions though, saying that it will take a collective team effort to do the business this afternoon.
“With the great support of the team everything becomes easier. It’s not a matter of the midfielders or wingers, but it’s a team effort to win a game and bring results.
“There’s no individual that can win the team a game, that’s why it’s a team sport,” Mlambo concluded.
For Pirates three points, or at least a draw, will be a huge morale booster as they’ll travel to Tunisia for their next encounter in the Caf Champions League against African Champions Esperance in Group B on Tuesday, February 12.