It’s ‘unacceptable’ that Pirates are being branded as favourites to beat Chiefs in TKO

FOLLOWING their back-to-back wins over arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs in the PSL, Orlando Pirates coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic is adamant that there won’t be favourites when the two Soweto giants lock-horns in the Telkom Knockout semi-finals at Moses Mabhida Stadium tomorrow.

While both teams are chasing for their first piece of silverware after a lengthy barren run, Pirates have shown characteristics of being championship material this season. They are currently at the summit of the league standings with 23 points, following an 11-match unbeaten run.

“I disagree that we are favourites for matches of this magnitude,” Sredojevic said.

“There are no favourites, and it’s not only a rule between us and Kaizer Chiefs, but worldwide. Having that in mind, mental preparations are things that are very important. I really don’t know why (people) put us as favourites. Simple because we won in March and October, and now we are branded as favourites, it’s unacceptable. We don’t want to accept that tag and I also think it’s the same with Kaizer Chiefs.”

In his recent Soweto derby victories, Sredojevic pulled a rabbit out of the hat. In March, last season, he started goalkeeper Siyabonga Mpontshane ahead of, his regular at the time, Jackson Mabokgwane. Last month, Nyasha Munetsi – who was out in the cold at the beginning of the season – got the nod ahead of promising Brazilian defender Caio Marcelo at the heart of defence. Prior to these occurrences, many couldn’t help but wonder if this was going to be the match that would see the beginning of Brilliant Khuzwayo’s career at the club since his close-season move from Chiefs? After all, Khuzwayo has done well in derby Cup competitions. In 2014, he inspired Amakhosi to a 1-0 win in the MTN8 final over the Sea Robbers.

“This is an extraordinary match where we have the country on a standstill, and having that in mind and with the responsibility of our supporters, we have to serve something that will look like a surprise but something that could effectively work,” Sredojevic said.

“Khuzwayo is in contention, whether he’ll be in or on standby or out is something that (will be decided later). Thursday’s training session was promising; so after yesterday’s session, we’d have known whether we’ll serve everyone with some surprise packages.”