• News
  • Sport
  • TV
  • Radio
  • Education
  • TV Licences
  • Contact Us
  • SOUTH AFRICA
  • POLITICS
  • BUSINESS
  • SPORT
  • AFRICA
  • WORLD
  • FEATURES
  • OPINION
No Result
View All Result
1
Home Sport

Pirates and Chiefs fighting for CAF champions league spot

4 March 2022, 5:02 PM  |
Sifiso Ramara Sifiso Ramara |  @SABCNews
Orlando Pirates will play against Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday

Orlando Pirates will play against Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday

Image: SABC NEWS

Orlando Pirates will play against Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday

Orlando Pirates and arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs both aim to reduce the gap enjoyed by pacesetters and DSTV Premiership defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns when the two teams clash in the Soweto derby on Saturday. Chiefs and Pirates are third and fourth on the log respectively, but they need a miracle to catch Sundowns. But a runner-up finish has some incentive – a place in next season’s CAF Champions League.

Very little separates the two Soweto rivals going into this weekend’s clash at the Orlando Stadium. After losing four derbies in a row against Pirates, Chiefs managed to bounce back, winning the last two encounters. The last three meetings between the two sides produced six goals. No one wants to be on the losing side in a Soweto derby. Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter has a proud record, he’s unbeaten against Pirates in seven Premiership matches.

“You’ve got to try and put form that is best on the day, the team that wins the derby is usually the team that play normal not the team that plays outstanding. The losers of the derby are usually anxious, they are usually worried and look at the clock, they are usually overhyped and get red cards and making bad decisions that lose the game so the team that plays normally is usually the team that wins the game,” says Baxter.

Pirates have shown good form in the Confederations Cup but the same cannot be said about their domestic form. The team has played 11 draws in 21 matches so far this season.

“They only have the league to worry about just take January, they have played three matches so far – we have played six matches so far but we have to be there, we have to take this game like any other game. Yes, it’s your direct rival that is fighting for this champions’ league spot. We definitely want that, but it’s definitely not a game that you play not to lose, definitely a match that winning the game will give you that advantage, winning the game will put you up there in second spot already and that is what we aiming for,” says Orlando Pirates co-coach Fadlu Davids.

The players are well aware that pride will always be at stake when the two Soweto giants clash.

“For us the senior guys, we must try and help the younger boys and make them understand how big this badge is, and what it means you know, and that you cannot take it lightly because you represent so many people you know in this country” says Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Lebogang Manyama,

Amakhosi should be wary of Bucs’ free-scoring midfield-cum-defender, Bandile Shandu. He’s the team’s leading goal scorer in the CAF Confederation Cup.

“For me it’s all about the team individual comes later I’m just going to work, try and assist the team where I can and scoring will be just a bonus but just to make sure that I do my job I work to my full potential and my ability and make sure that we get the result on Saturday and scoring will come later. If I do I do, if I don’t as long as the team produces the three points I’m more than happy,” says Shandu.

And as usual, expectations are high amongst the supporters.

“The past results count for nothing when it comes to the derby, we won and Pirates drew. So it’s going to be a very good game – let’s hope that our coach Stuart Baxter is not going to lose the game especially in the dressing room, whereby you put in a lot of defenders,” a supporter says.

“They must just make sure that they put the right team, the right players on that day. I don’t think they will be able to disappoint the Orlando Pirates fans,” another supporter elaborates.

The match kicks off at half-past three and it will be broadcast live on SABC 1.

Share article
Tags: Orlando PiratesKaizer ChiefsSoweto DerbyDStv Premiership
Previous Post

Nedbank Ultra Marathon returns to the Eastern Cape

Next Post

Cele sends out stern warning to criminals during launch of National Traditional Policing Concept

Related Posts

MTN 8 Trophy.

MTN8 Final tickets sold out

29 September 2023, 6:54 PM
2023 Rugby World Cup

World Cup 2023 knockout stage: which teams will qualify?

29 September 2023, 9:11 AM
Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch players fighting for the ball.

Pirates need 2 goal win to advance to CAF group stages

28 September 2023, 2:57 PM
Mamelodi Sundowns celebrate after navigating tricky conditions against Stellenbosch in Atteridgeville to set league record.

Mamelodi Sundowns sets new record with win over Stellenbosch

28 September 2023, 6:01 AM
Handre Pollard kicking

Pollard back as Boks rotate team for Tonga clash

27 September 2023, 8:56 PM
Soccer ball

Morocco to host 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals

27 September 2023, 5:54 PM
Next Post
Minister General Bheki Cele together with Deputy Minister Mr Mathale,National Commissioner General Sitole handed over vehicles that will be utilized for the Traditional Policing.

Cele sends out stern warning to criminals during launch of National Traditional Policing Concept

Most Viewed

  • 24hrs
  • Week
  • Month
  • Six beaches in Durban flagged with high levels of E.coli
  • Visitors planning to visit the Overberg region urged to postpone their trips
  • Western Cape on high alert following severe storm warning
  • Steam trains revived in the Western Cape amid Heritage Day celebrations
  • A level two weather warning issued for southern KZN
  • High waves and rough water conditions force beach closures in the Western Cape
  • Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi to rest in the town he built and nurtured
  • NSPCA files criminal case against Julius Malema for alleged animal cruelty
  • Snow, heavy rainfall expected in parts of KZN: SAWS
  • Cold-front sweeps across SA bringing snow and chilly temperatures
  • Zoleka Mandela to be buried at the Fourways Memorial Park
  • Police investigate fatal shooting on R40 in Hazyview
  • Dudu Myeni appears in Richards Bay court on fraud, corruption charges
  • Officials on the run as corruption allegations rock Sekhukhune District Municipality
  • Night vigils for slain Free State Acting Judge Thamae held nationwide

LATEST

SABC building in Auckland Park.
  • Business

SABC confident amidst financial loss


Mandla Mandela.
  • South Africa

Mandla Mandela urges respect for Zoleka’s peaceful rest


[File Image] Aziz Pahad addressing an event.
  • Politics

Pahad hailed as a fine diplomat


[FILE IMAGE] Former SAA Board Chairperson Dudu Myeni.
  • Business

Dudu Myeni gets R10 000 bail


Penguins at Antarctica
  • South Africa

SA learners invited to join Matrics in Antarctica initiative


[FILE IMAGE] Doctor's room.
  • South Africa

Sekhing community gets healthcare centre


Weather

  • About the SABC
  • Contact Us
  • Jobs
  • Advertise
  • Disclaimer
  • Site Map

SABC © 2023

No Result
View All Result
  • SOUTH AFRICA
  • POLITICS
  • BUSINESS
  • SPORT
  • AFRICA
  • WORLD
  • FEATURES
  • OPINION

© 2023

Previous Nedbank Ultra Marathon returns to the Eastern Cape
Next Cele sends out stern warning to criminals during launch of National Traditional Policing Concept