The Soweto Derby between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs takes the center stage this weekend at the FNB Stadium.
The Glamour Boys are keen on ending their three-game losing streak – in the Premier Soccer League, against the Buccaneers, and four across all competitions. A win will also keep alive their chances of playing in the MTN8 next season after missing the previous one by virtue of finishing 10th.
The Buccaneers are 12 points behind Mamelodi Sundowns after their loss on Wednesday against Sekhukhune United. They have played 21 games as opposed to Masandawana, who have 23 games in their pocket, but a loss this weekend might end any hopes of finishing top of the table by the end of the season.
Former Amakhosi winger Junior Khanye has given Nasreddine Nabi's men no chance of getting a win on Saturday. He insists the Sea Robbers have enough quality to go all the way as opposed to their opponents.
‘Pirates better than top-eight-chasing Chiefs'
“I know Pirates, they’re better than Chiefs in terms of talent, and they’ve got players such as [Patrick] Maswanganyi, a national team player, [Relebohile] Mofokeng, a contender for Play of the Season. Nkota might win the Young Player of the Season as well. Thalente Mbatha is also better than the Chiefs’ midfielders,” he said as quoted by iDiski Times.
“Pirates are also in a better position on the log as well, but now they are a bit inconsistent. That’s my problem. And yes, they are still in the race to win the league, but it’s going to be difficult, since Sundowns are a very strong side, they’re competing against Sundowns that are very strong.
“Pirates are in a better position compared to Chiefs, who are fighting for the top eight. Every time Chiefs play this game, they get motivated, but also the nervousness comes to them as well.”
‘Talent-wise we can't compare Chiefs and Pirates'
“Talent-wise, we can’t compare Chiefs and Pirates players. Also, the coach himself, my criticism of him is that he had a whole pre-season with the players, but he’s not improving the team; they are getting worse. There are also some players who don’t deserve to play there,” Khanye added.
“So it’s gonna be difficult, a mountain to climb for Chiefs. Yes, in football, anything is possible; we saw Chiefs beat Sundowns, but I believe it was a wake-up call for Pirates to lose against Sekhukhune. They will still have this belief that they can win the league, though they have a mountain to climb.
“I don’t see Kaizer Chiefs beating Orlando Pirates, I need to be honest with you. I see another 1-0 like in the first leg,” he concluded.
