With a blend of tactical nous and spirited execution, Kaizer Chiefs have a chance to reshape their Soweto derby narrative this weekend by turning the tide in this storied rivalry.
Beyond the usual bragging rights accompanying this high-stakes match, Saturday’s Nedbank Cup final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban (3.30pm kick-off) brings an additional layer of urgency.
The Nedbank Cup championship is on the line, and a golden opportunity for the Amakhosi to claim that elusive silverware for the first time in a decade.
It will be an uphill battle to clinch a victory, but certain strategies will be pivotal to propel Chiefs to a win over their age-old rivals, Orlando Pirates…
1 Set-pieces, the Achilles’ heel of Pirates
This season, Premiership teams have been carefully analysing their opponents, looking for signs of vulnerability that can be exploited.
For those facing Pirates, one notable weak spot has emerged: set-piece situations.
Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi will do well to deploy taller players like Tashreeq Morris (1.83m) or Ranga Chivaviro (1.80m) to assert aerial dominance for the close-in free-kicks.
They can capitalise on these vulnerabilities by winning headers and creating chaos in the box, and could prove decisive. This could allow quicker players to react to second balls and penetrate the Pirates’ defence.
2 Neutralise Pirates’ dangerous wingers
A review of Pirates’ past games will reveal they have dangerous men out wide, such as Relebohile Mofokeng, Mohau Nkota, and Deon Hotto.
These men must be contained because they spark the team’s attacking sorties.
Mofokeng has made a name for himself with his explosive runs and ability to break down defences.
Nkota’s agility and quick footwork can leave defenders scrambling.
Hotto has consistently been a thorn in the side of opposing teams with his clever positioning and strike on goal. For Chiefs, the strategy must go beyond mere containment.
3 Challenge to make sound decisions in final third
Chiefs have often created enough scoring opportunities, but Nabi has repeatedly spoken about a pressing concern: the team’s inefficiency in front of goal.
With the absence of their top goal-scorer, Wandile Duba, due to suspension, the spotlight is now firmly on the Chiefs’ attacking unit.
The team find themselves at a crossroads, where they must find their scoring touch or risk a repeat of past frustrations.
Scoring could bolster their confidence and place additional pressure on Pirates’ defensive unit, which has shown vulnerability in recent encounters by conceding goals.
4 Sirino must bring the gas to ignite Chiefs’ engine room
Gaston Sirino, renowned for his match-winning abilities, has proven he can alter the course of a game with his skill and insight.
This season, he has demonstrated his scoring prowess with three goals and showcased his playmaking talent with six assists.
With his experience and finesse, he holds the key to unlocking the Pirates’ defence and providing the spark for the team’s attack.
He must elevate his game not just to participate, but to lead.
Dominance in the midfield will be crucial, not just for stifling the Pirates’ attacks, but also for orchestrating their offensive sorties.
5 Chiefs defence must be on high alert
With their attacking flair, Pirates will exploit any weaknesses in the Chiefs’ backline.
The Amakhosi defenders must maintain solid communication and organisation throughout the match, ensuring that they close down spaces effectively.
Any lapses in concentration could result in opportunities for Pirates’ forwards to capitalise immediately.
With the return of their captain Inacio Miguel, Chiefs have the added ability to stifle opposing attacks.
This will be vital because Chiefs’ rearguard must close down spaces effectively.
Any lapses could see Pirates’ forwards capitalise in an instant, making it imperative that Chiefs remain vigilant throughout the match.
