Full-strength Chiefs hope to take game to Bucs
When they take to the field once again against their arch-rivals Orlando Pirates this coming weekend, Kaizer Chiefs will be in a far stronger position than they were the last time.
The Soweto giants will face-off in the semifinal of the Telkom Knockout at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, at 3pm.
The Amakhosi faithful will have reason to be hopeful of getting a favourable result, especially considering how weakened they were in the derby last month.
Furthermore, despite their frailties on the day, Chiefs still managed to score the opening goal – only to relinquish their lead to lose 2-1.
Chief stars Khama Billiat, who went into the derby with a strained back and striker Leonardo Castro, who was fresh from an ankle injury are all fit to play.
Their influential midfielder Lebogang Manyama missed the match altogether after sustaining an elbow injury in a car crash.
Manyama’s manager Maimane Phiri has confirmed that his client is raring to go after making his recovery.
“Lebo has made a lot of progress and is ready to play again. Over the weeks I have had chats with him just to make sure he is psychologically fine after the accident,” Phiri said.
“Obviously now it’s just up to the coach to make the call but he is okay now and obviously motivated because last time he missed the derby.”
The Buccaneers on the other hand will be spurred on by the prospect of making their first cup final under coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic.
But it will be Bucs’ sensational forward Vincent Pule who will come for special attention. The striker has one goal in the Telkom Knockout and is tied with Billiat at four goals apiece in the Premiership.
The Sea Robbers are currently the in-form team in the Absa Premiership. In their 16 games in all competitions since the start of the season, Pirates have had an impressive record of eight wins, three losses and five draws.
Overall, in Sredojevic’s 50 games in charge since his appointment, the Serbian has guided the team to 25 wins, 15 draws and 10 losses.