The Clash of Titans: A tactical breakdown of the derby
THIS afternoon’s Soweto derby between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates at the FNB Stadium will either be a damp squib or a spectacle depending on whether it ends in a goalless draw or goals are scored.
The managerial standpoint of both clubs has come under the spotlight since the beginning of the campaign with Chiefs entrusting Arthur Zwane to lead a new generation of potential Amakhosi stars.
For their opponents Pirates, it’s been a matter of supreme organisation and tactical mastery as coach Jose Riveiro continues to instil formational discipline in the Buccaneers’ ranks.
IOL Sports’ Smiso Msomi provides a tactical breakdown of the Soweto derby:
1. Understanding Attacking and Defensive Zones
Zwane has predominantly set up his side to play in a 4-3-3 formation, a decision that has proven to be incredibly fertile in the right zones with the right personnel.
However Pirates’ 3-4-1-2 has been the main reason behind their defensive resilience and in turn their fast-paced work on the transition, the wingplay and workrate of Deon Hotto, Thabo Monyane working well alongside the in-form Monnapule Saleng and Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo.
If Chiefs are to get anything out of this match, their marauding full backs will have to time their running off the ball to perfection as Pirates are always ready to pounce on spaces left on the wings.
2. Exploiting individual weaknesses
A huge chunk of Chiefs’ defensive frailties have come directly from errors caused by specific players in an attempt to either build up from the back or a poor defensive effort.
With a capacity crowd expected at the FNB Stadium, individuals like Siyabonga Ngezana, the sloppy Brandon Pieterson for Chiefs and the inconsistent Richard Ofori for Pirates will come under instant pressure if they exhibit lapses in concentration.
The Soweto derby is one of a few matches capable of deciding a player’s future at either club, therefore exploiting the nerves of your opponents becomes key.
3. Midfield shape and numbers
The biggest battle of the day will undoubtedly be in midfield as Chiefs trio Yusuf Maart, Njabulo Blom and Keagan Dolly will look to grab the match by the scruff of the neck.
Their ideas and imagination will be put to the ultimate test as Pirates middleman Miguel Timm seems imperious at the moment, breaking down play with relative ease and controlling the width, depth and tempo at which Riveiro likes to play.
Perhaps Chiefs fans will hope their expected numerical advantage will work in their favour as Pirates are expected to field a double pivot to guard the attempts of the Amakhosi trio.