Mouthwatering derby on the cards
MAELA: PIRATES FORCED TO TIGHTEN UP AT THE BACK
While many might see today’s encounter between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates at the FNB Stadium as a perfect opportunity for Bucs to avenge themselves after Amakhosi knocked them out of the Telkom Knockout (TKO) last weekend, Innocent Maela doesn’t seem to see it that way.
The Pirates defender admits that it was disappointing for them to be dumped out of the TKO by Chiefs after the sides were left level at on 2-2 after extra-time, but the Glamour Boys went on to win the tie 4-2 on penalties.
Now, meeting their nemesis twice in a week but this time in a sold out Soweto derby league tie, Maela is confident that they can get the result they want if they apply their tactics correctly.
“We went one man down (after Mthokozisi Dube got a red card in the TKO) but we pushed them and gave it our all, At the end of the day we were knocked out on penalties which is very disappointing,” said the Bafana Bafana left back.
“I wouldn’t say it’s a revenge match, our focus is to go out there and make sure that we give it our all as a team, implement our tactics and make sure that we win the match regardless of the opponent. That’s our focus every time we go into a match.”
Pirates head into this game having struggled to find a stable back four throughout the season and conceding a lot of goals. They will be without the services of their two key defenders Dube and skipper Happy Jele due to suspension.
With changes expected at the back again for this game, Maela was quick to point out when they concede, they concede as a team and anyone in the team can plug the gaps left by Dube and Jele.
“We have been struggling to keep a clean sheet as a team, it’s not about the changes at the back. But for me honestly, I think we have been improving and getting that part (not conceding) right slowly and we should carry on from there,” he added.
“Tactically, you must be in a place when the team changes (formation) you are also able to play different positions. I have been through that and I think we have done really well.”
Kick-off is at 3.30pm.