Orlando Pirates might be in need of some fresh ideas to beat Kaizer Chiefs in Saturday’s big clash at Soccer City.
That is because both scorers in December 2001’s 3-0 victory (their last win against the old enemy), two-goal hero Lesley Manyathela and Benedict Vilakazi, will not be available this weekend. The former was killed in a car accident, while the latter’s absence is thanks to happier circumstances— he will be tying the knot. Pirates will hope that they will not have to call their midfielder from his wedding to save them from defeat.Â
There is a historical precedent, though. In the 1970s Pirates legend Jomo Sono was getting married on the day of a big game. When he heard his club was losing 2-0 to Highlands Park, he abandoned his wedding reception to go to his team’s rescue. He scored two goals and Pirates finished the match as winners 4-2. Sono, of course, later bought Highlands Park and renamed the club Jomo Cosmos.
Chiefs fans might be loath to admit it, but Pirates hold the upper hand in inflicting recent Soweto derby defeats that really hurt.
Last season Chiefs beat Pirates 2-0 in the league, after the sides drew 1-1 in the first round. That victory still did not leave a taste of sweet revenge for the 3-0 league defeat two seasons ago and that famous 4-1 demolition job in the 1996/97 Bob Save Super Bowl semifinal.
All last season’s win did was help Chiefs cement a place in the top eight, while proving a minor stumble in Pirates’ march to the league title. It is testimony to how fortunes have changed, for Chiefs at least, that this Saturday’s result influences the championship. The twist for this season’s first derby is that not only pride but three vital points will be at stake — the winner will go top of the log.
Orlando Pirates caretaker coach Augusto Palacios said: ‘This game is crucial firstly because of the points at stake in order to be on top of the league table; secondly to keep our championship hopes alive to retain the title and last, but not least, to keep our supporters happy.â€Â
The Peruvian-born coach added that another factor that makes this game between the two clubs so important is history and the record books.
Pirates, stabilising and improving under Palacios, meet a Chiefs side that is high on style, low on substance and in champagne mode after struggling to victory in the Coca-Cola Cup over Silver Stars last weekend.
Chiefs currently possess the qualities of a team that is hungry for a league title that has eluded them for the past 10 years. The glamour boys have the skills factor on their side for this derby. Men such as Jabu Pule and John Moshoeu possess clever ball skills and can manipulate the game to Chiefs advantage. This midfield mastery is complemented by the scoring prowess of Patrick Mayo and Sibusiso Dlamini.
Both teams have seen their goals scored mainly by midfielders, with Chiefs’ dangerman being Moshoeu, while for Pirates it is Vilakazi. But Pirates striker Jimmy Kauleza seems to have found his scoring boots a last.Â
Chiefs have got this far without a settled first-choice striker, let alone a front pair. Mayo, David Radebe, Dlamini and Kabamba Musasa stand a virtually equal chance of starting, and doing reasonably well. Mayo is ahead of the pack not just because of his height, but because his confidence is high. But then again, things looked exactly the same at this stage of his Supersport career, before he fizzled out. Everyone knows he has ability; it is consistency they are looking for.
Chiefs’ midfield mastery has compensated for a porous rearguard. In the Coca-Cola Cup against Ajax, twice against Wits, and in last week’s closing episode, Chiefs defence was routinely exposed but saved by decent goalkeeping and poor finishing by their opponents.
Pirates should first look to exploit the left back slot, which in the past three cup games has been occupied by David Kanemeyer, the promising Bevan Fransman and Nhlanhla Kubheka, returning from a long injury lay-off and an indication of how desperate they are to plug the gap.
Chiefs will be aware that the Coke Cup has its curse. Two seasons ago, after they won this trophy, they snatched the Mandela Cup before the terminal decline that they are only now recovering from set in with a defeat to Supersport.Â
Last season’s winners, Cosmos, came into the final with five victories in their previous eight games. After the victory, they won only one of their next eight games, putting league honours beyond their reach.
Amakhosi will hope the cup does not prove to be an albatross around their necks, at least not against Pirates.