Chiefs are currently top of the league with 43 points, while their rivals are sitting in 4th with a game in hand. On current form both clubs could would be happier, but on a derby day anything can happen.
With a lot riding on this game, everyone will be looking for
entertainment and excitement. Every supporter you ask will opt for an end to
end extravaganza, but if you ask the managers they will want the opposite. There
is no doubt the fans will demand three points, including a little to rub in
their friends faces on Monday morning.
If the drama or stories couldn’t get any juicier, the former
Kaizer Chiefs manager VV is back. The Serbian recently took charge of the
Buccaneers, how the fans and players will react is still to be seen, but if he
can start off with a derby win all will be forgotten and a new chapter will
begin.
The way things have been going for both teams, I see Kaizer
Chiefs as the favourites for this game. Although form counts for nothing in
such an encounter, sometimes it can weigh in the superior clubs favour. Attack
is the name of the game and we need goals for excitement, scoreless draws are
terrible when there is so much build up. WE WANT GOALS!!
Striker Battle
Knowledge Musona - The Zimbabwean striker has been on hot form, the Pirates players will need to be alert. He has scored 6 goals in 16 games, although that may not be extremely impressive, he is stepping up from when he started.
Bernard Parker - The Bafana-Bafana striker is the countries' in form goal scorer, he will be looking to add to his 10 goals. Parker is always willing to help his team out, his high work rate and positive attitude on the field feeds off to the rest of the players.
Kermit Erasmus - The young forward has not been a major hit at Pirates since joining, his goal scoring form isnt the best, but some will argue that Kermit adds more to the team than just goals. He will certainly be looking to hit the ground running today!.
Lehlohonolo Majoro - 'Major' is some what the forgotten son, the former Chiefs striker will be hungry to score against his former employers. Although he claims the game is not about him showing up his old club, but you can bet that deep down he will defintely want to fire a couple goals against Kaizer Chiefs. In a recent interview with Soccer Laduma he said, “This match is not about me. I know people want to see me playing but this is about Pirates beating Chiefs. We will play as a team.
“I’m preparing myself; Chiefs fans might try to boo me, but it is part of the game. I will stay focused because like I said, this match is not about me. If selected, I will try my best to help the team win,”
Deciding Factor
As always in games like these I believe the battle will be won in the midfield, whoever can control the pace of the game best will most likely win. Often in derby games when there is a lot to be won/lost, the first 10-15 minutes are cagey and cautious. The managers will hope their players do not fall into the trap that the big occasion can lay in front of them, rather they will look to the senior players to lead.
In terms of the battle between both managers, I feel Stewart Baxter will come out on top. The Kaizer Chiefs 'gaffer' knows his player far better and knows how to beat 'The Sea Robbers', as for his counterpart he is still new in the hot seat and will not know his players too well. On the other hand, a new manager means a fresh start, players are hungry to prove themselves so it can become a positive.
Hopefully we all get to see a exciting and beatufiul game, the derby always brings flavor to the country. You certainly don't want to miss out, so get to the stadium today...if not watch it at home or with some mates.
Prediction
FIFA 14 - Orlando Pirates 2-1 Kaizer Chiefs
My Prediction - Orlando Pirates 0-1 Kaizer Chiefs
Thanks as always for reading, hope you enjoyed the Derby Day special. We would also like to congratulate Catherine, Kananelo & Ntsuku who won the Cross Trainer & Legacy Lifestyle Soweto Derby competition, we hope you will enjoy today's game.
