How the bitter rivals measure up
Both teams strong in midfield but goalkeeping a common problem
impregnable fortress has become a porous unit. The absence of a vocal leader at the back has hurt Amakhosi. Khune’s absence only makes the matter worse. They have to get their act together if they are to stop the deadly Pirates’ attack. Happy Mashiane’s arrival has been a breath of fresh air. The Amakhosi academy product has made a seamless transition to the first team.
Midfielders: Joseph Molangoane, Willard Katsande, George
Maluleka, Siphelele Ntshangase, Kabelo Mahlasela, Pule Ekstein, Andriamirado Andrianarimanana, Philani Zulu, Khotso Malope, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo and Lebogang Manyama
Rating: 7/10
Chiefs’ shaky defence means that Katsande is an important asset in the club’s defensive duties. The Zimbabwean hardman creates a buffer between the midfield and the defence. Middendorp has even deployed him as one of three centrebacks to fix the club’s woes at the back. With Ekstein and Maluleka rediscovering their form, Amakhosi will have more creativity. Their biggest challenge has been the absence of a reliable and consistent playmaker. Ntshangase has struggled to be that playmaker even though he shows glimpses of what he can do. He is stingy with the champagne passes he promised.
Strikers: Bhongolwethu Jayiya, Khama Billiat, Leonardo Castro, Bernard Parker, Ryaan Moon, Gustavo Paez and Dumisani Zuma Rating: 6.5/10
Castro and Billiat formed one of the best attacking units in their days at Mamelodi Sundowns in the famous CBD that also included Keagan
Dolly. Billiat brought his brilliance while Castro was clinical. They haven’t consistently shown these features at Chiefs. The club’s attack is good on paper but they haven’t translated that to a good showing on the field. There is an over-reliance on Billiat to work his magic without good support. Castro has been forced to defend a lot, taking away a key element that made him good at Sundowns – freedom to harass opposition defenders. The Buccaneers’ goalkeepers are all second choice keepers at best. None of the three, since Khuzwayo is yet to make his debut, inspire confidence with their showing and presence in the box. They are too erratic to carry the aspirations of a club of the Buccaneers’ stature. That’s why the club doesn’t have an outright first choice goalkeeper. No one in this group has done enough to make the No1 jersey his own. This forces the technical team to choose their goalkeeper on who is the lesser evil rather than who is the best man for the team.
Defenders: Justice Chabalala, Mthokozisi Dube, Happy Jele, Marshall Munetsi, Innocent Maela, Alfred Ngengane, Thabo Matlaba, Abbubaker Mobara, Diamond Thopola, Ntsikelelo Nyauza, Asavela Mbekile and Paseka Mako
Rating: 5/10
The Buccaneers have a strong group of fullbacks, fast, strong defensively and menacing when they push forward. It doesn’t matter who Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic picks in that department, he will have a solid unit. The problem is in the central defence pairing. It’s too slow and struggles with fast and skilful attackers. Jele and Ndengane’s experience helps them cover for their shortcomings in the pace department. Their aerial strength is an asset in defence and in attack. A stronger showing from the central pairing will help the club keep more clean sheets. Midfielders: Kudakwashe Mahachi, Musa Nyatama, Ben Motshwari, Xola Mlambo, Thembinkosi Lorch, Mpho Makola, Augustine Mahlonoko, Luvuyo Memela, Linda Mntambo, Thabo Qalinge and Abel Mabaso Rating: 8/10
Pirates’ midfield is their strongest department, especially the offensive players who carry most of the weight in helping the Buccaneers boast one of the most potent attacks in the league. Their move from having a bulldozer in central midfield and replacing him with a ball-player helps them swiftly start attacks once they regain position. The problem is that they don’t have enough bite to help their defenders. The closest they have to a “warrior” in midfield is Motshwari who hasn’t cemented the central midfield position as his own. This department can win the Buccaneers the derby.
Strikers: Thamsanqa Gabuza, Augustine Mulenga, Justin Shonga and Vincent Pule
Rating: 7/10
Shonga and Mulenga have struggled to replicate their form in the colours of their national team, Zambia. At Pirates they are but a shadow of the forceful unit they are with Chipolopolo. Despite that, they’re still a class act which has seen Shonga net nine goals in all competitions to be the club’s joint top goalscorer along with Lorch. Imagine what he can do when he shows his true colours? They do have plenty of good variety up front with Gabuza and Mulenga supplying the necessary muscle while Shonga and Pule come with their speed and trickery.