Ball in Pirates’ corner to avoid a fourth defeat against Chiefs
Buccaneers need to win to compete against Sundowns
Orlando Pirates have it all to do against nemesis Kaizer Chiefs when the Soweto giants meet at FNB Stadium on Saturday.
In official matches, the Buccaneers have lost three times in a row to Amakhosi. It goes without saying that the pressure will be on Jose Riveiro’s men to avoid a fourth consecutive defeat.
It’s not just for bragging rights and if they are to compete with the likes of Mamelodi Sundowns, these are matches they can’t afford to lose.
Considering Chiefs’ defensive frailties, Pirates can be expected to breach their defence.
Riveiro, however, will have to find a suitable partner for Kermit Erasmus, who has had some good moments against Amakhosi in the past.
Granted, Pirates’ forward line is nothing to write home about judging by their lack of goals this season, but Erasmus has scored six goals and created three assists in 23 appearances against Chiefs during his PSL career, with different clubs. It’s not a bad return, and while he’s still settling in, he’d fancy his chances again coming up against the likes of Zitha Kwinika.
Arthur Zwane’s boys have kept just one clean sheet in their past 10 official games (league and cup). Questions must be asked about their goalkeeping department. Itumeleng Khune was on his way back to full fitness but he’s been battling injuries, which hasn’t helped Chiefs’ cause. The last time they kept a clean sheet was when they played to a goalless draw against Amazulu in September.
Brandon Petersen and Bruce Bvuma have stepped in, but Chiefs have still let in goals.
On the flip side of the coin, Chiefs have no problem scoring goals. They have netted in all their last seven official matches and Zwane sounded a warning that it’s only a matter of time before Chiefs put five past one PSL team, after watching his side draw 2-2 with TS Galaxy.
It’s highly unlikely to score five in the derby, given that both teams play very cautiously.
Perhaps an early goal from either side could lead to an influx of goals from both ends, but the ball is in Pirates’ corner to take the game to Chiefs to avoid another defeat to their archrivals.