Sisters on #derbyduty call
Three Banyana Banyana Musketeers, past and present, run the rule on the upcoming Soweto derby, which the two out of three have called in favour of Kaizer Chiefs
MPUMI NYANDENI How do I see Pirates?
Since the arrival of the new coach, Milutin Sredojevic, and his assistant, Rhulani Mokwena, I’ve seen a rejuvenated Pirates. This is a very different Bucs to the one we had last season. The current team will make us happy people again.
What do you make of coach Milutin Sredojevic?
“Micho” is very suitable for Bucs because it’s not the first time he’s with us. Now he’s got a lot of experience, both at domestic and international level.
The results we’ve had so far are promising. Also, Rhulani is not just any assistant coach, but he’s a coach himself if you look at the qualifications and experience he’s had at Mamelodi Sundowns. That combination should see us being among the strong teams this season.
What is wrong?
Not much is wrong with the current team. I understand that they want to prove a point after the disappointments of last season, where we failed for the first time in the Premier Soccer League to finish in the top eight.
What is working for Pirates?
I think the goalkeeper, Wayne Sandilands, is making a lot of difference with his experience. Also, the way we play in the middle of the park, where the coach has also converted our captain, Thabo Matlaba, into a central midfielder, should give us results.
I like also the way Thabo Qalinge has taken his chances after getting a place in the starting line-up. Qalinge is going to be a huge game-changer for us this season. With the current team, I see us winning one cup at the very least in this campaign.
What do they need to do on Saturday?
It will be easy if we defend as a team and don’t concede early. We must also make sure that we take our chances. If we do that, I don’t think there’s a team that can stop Pirates.
What’s your prediction for this derby?
My prediction is 1-1, with Thamsanqa Gabuza getting our goal. Pirates won’t be happy with a second successive defeat against Chiefs after our loss in the Carling Cup at the start of the season. I think this will be a very entertaining Soweto derby and the fans should go home happy because they will see some goals.
Nyandeni was talking to Sazi Hadebe AMANDA DLAMINI How do you see Kaizer Chiefs?
One of the things that pop up is the lack of identity in terms of how they play. I struggle to reconcile the Stuart Baxter Chiefs with this one under Steve Komphela. With Baxter, it was evident what their game plan was. You could easily see what they were doing. Currently, the guidance is absent.
What do you make of coach Steve Komphela?
Maybe he is limited in terms of the advice he is getting from the bench in terms of [lacking] a strong character as an assistant. You can have two bulls in one kraal. Coach Pitso [Mosimane] and coach Manqoba [Mngqithi] have proved it can be done [at Mamelodi Sundowns].
What is wrong?
Lately they firmly believe in promoting [players] from their development [side]. But you can sometimes see the frustration on Shabba’s [Siphiwe Tshabalala] face, that they lack players who have the character to fight back when times are tough.
What is working?
They have direction and purpose leading to the final third. Their conversion lets them down. Itumeleng Khune and Shabba are leaders. The whole team always wait for the coach, even when fans are angry and throwing things. They have the spirit of unity, they are in it together. Also, coach Steve gives the player the liberty to express themselves.
How do you see Orlando Pirates?
A team in the rebuilding phase, new coach [Milutin Sredojevic], new assistant [Rhulani Mokwena], still trying to figure out a combination of players that would start or be on the bench.
They have lots of intention and purpose in their game plan. Coach Rhulani will be very crucial in instilling a disciplined tactical approach. He emphasises on individual players what their purpose is, something that has been lacking at Pirates. [Thamsanqa] Gabuza works very hard, if he can be complimented with service he will be even better.
Because they struggled last season, it will be in the back of their minds.
What is working for Pirates?
The instructions from the bench are clearly articulated. That has really improved. They’ve had a better start.
Dlamini was talking to Bareng-Batho Kortjaas SIMPHIWE DLUDLU How do you see Chiefs?
I admire the courage of experienced players like Siphiwe Tshabalala, Itu Khune and Willard Katsande in the current team.
For me, these guys are a good example of what a typical Chiefs player should be like, on and off the field. I have no doubt that if the team had eight more players like them on the field of play all the time, Chiefs would be unstoppable.
What do you make of coach Steve Komphela?
There’s nothing wrong with the coach and his philosophy. I think the coach must have a one-on-one with all the players to find out what’s stopping them from delivering the way we expect them to. It’s very important that we look at all the sides before pointing fingers at certain individuals.
What is wrong?
I think the team is going through a bad patch. I know that people will say it’s been too long a patch as we are now in the third year of Komphela’s reign without winning a big trophy. I’m sure we’re going to turn things our way soon.
What is working for Chiefs?
Like I said before, we need Chiefs’ players to show us the same commitment, if not more, that we always see players like Khune and Tshabalala deliver every time they don our famous jersey. We must also use players like “Shabba” [Tshabalala] and Khune to motivate others because they have the experience of playing for a club as big as Chiefs.
What do they need to do on Saturday?
Players must remind themselves that this is not an ordinary game [against archrivals Orlando Pirates]. They know that bragging rights are at stake. So for the players to remain the best they know that they need to beat the best, which can’t be better for us supporters than beating Pirates.
What’s your prediction for this derby?
I think we’re going to win 2-1, with Bernard Parker and our young man, Wiseman Meyiwa (17), getting the goals for us. I’m just giving Pirates a goal because I feel very sorry for them. I think we’re going to have a stellar game, especially if our supporters continue to rally behind the team.
Dludlu was talking to Sazi Hadebe