How Chiefs, Pirates rate heading into the derby
IT’S Soweto derby time again tomorrow ... Mazola Molefe and Njabulo Ngidi analyse the Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates teams. CHIEFS GOALKEEPER: No-brainer – Itumeleng Khune will be first-choice to face the Pirates attack. Chiefs are on a fivegame winning streak, and Khune has kept a clean sheet throughout. ]Brilliant Khuzwayo is a capable No.2, but Khune can win the derby for Amakhosi.– 9/10. DEFENDERS: They have to be applauded for the clean sheets, having worked to be compact and close down spaces when their opponents are in possession. – 8. MIDFIELDERS: A significant problem area. Steve Komphela has tested different combinations – forced by injuries or suspensions – and Amakhosi still lack a bit of creative spark, though it hasn’t really been an issue given the results. – 7. STRIKERS: Komphela, pictured far right, seems to prefer a lone striker which makes it difficult to praise the forwards, because the goals aren’t necessarily coming from them. – 5. BENCH: The Chiefs bench isn’t the best in the PSL, but it certainly isn’t the weakest either. With experienced campaigners such as Bernard Parker, Tsepo Masilela and Siphiwe Tshabalala, there is enough quality to call on when the chips are down.
But are these guys match-winners? – 7 COACH: Komphela is the favourite to win tomorrow, with the Amakhosi clearly on a high and could possibly still be top of the PSL log if Golden Arrows, joint leaders, fail to beat Maritzburg in their KwaZuluNatal derby tonight. – 8. Total: 44/60 PIRATES GOALKEEPER: Brighton Mhlongo started this season relegated to the stands. Felipe Ovono was No 1 while Jackson Mabokgwane, who worked with Ertugral, pictured left, at Mpumalanga Black Aces, deputised. But Ovono’s blunders and Mhlongo’s good command of the back four changed that. – DEFENDERS: Defence is a problematic department. Pirates are too slow at the back, leaving them vulnerable to speedy opponents. Ertugral promised to “bring some fresh legs” at the back, which he has done with Justice Chabalala and Thembela Sikhakhane. But he hasn’t been able to balance experience with the fresh legs, which has resulted in defensive gaps. – 5. MIDFIELDERS: Another area that lacks the right balance. Plenty of attackminded midfielders from the flanks and those at the heart like Mpho Makola and Oupa Manyisa, but the Buccaneers lack a powerful destroyer who can also pass the ball. Abbubaker Mobara can pass, but he isn’t menacing. Issa Sarr is the opposite. – 7. STRIKERS: Their attack has relied heavily on Tendai Ndoro. The Zimbabwean hasn’t disappointed, already scoring six goals in all competitions. Pirates play to his strength, waiting for him to make his intelligent runs because he doesn’t sit in the box. – 9. BENCH: Pirates have several players who can turn a match around. Skilful Thabo Rakhale and pacy Riyaad Norodien are real threats. But if they have to close shop and protect a lead, Pirates have limited options in reserve. – 6. COACH: Ertugral’s temper either pushes players to excel or breaks them down. Ndoro scored a hattrick after the Turk told him off in the first league match. But the Pirates coach also had a bust-up with Ghanaian, Edwin Gyimah at an airport a few months into his tenure. – 7. Total: 40/60