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Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates squad analysis: Amakhosi will have to take the underdog tag

Photo of osprimetv osprimetv Follow on Twitter Send an email March 19, 2021Last Updated: March 19, 2021
160 2 minutes read
Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates squad analysis: Amakhosi will have to take the underdog tag

Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates squad analysis: Amakhosi will have to take the underdog tag

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Both of the long-time rivals have struggled with injuries to key players this term, especially with their forward players

 

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At a glance: Bucs are clear favourites

In terms of results and league standings, it’s clear that Pirates are the favourites for Sunday. They are unbeaten in their last 10 games in all competitions and are eight positions and 15 points better off than Chiefs on the league table. Plus Bucs have already beaten Chiefs three times this campaign.

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    • Goalkeeper

    If Richard Ofori had been fit, this department would have gone to Pirates. But with the Ghana international unlikely to play, we are giving this one to his fellow west African, Chiefs’ Nigerian keeper, Daniel Akpeyi.

    Akpeyi has not been especially impressive this season and has played more than he may have due to some of the issues Itumeleng Khune has endured. But Akpeyi’s been doing alright, and at least has momentum and regular game-time coming into the derby.

    Verdict: Chiefs

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    • Defence

    Pirates have had some in jury issues, especially in the full-back role, but have largely enjoyed a stable back-four this season.

    Chiefs meanwhile have chopped and changed, with midfielders at times playing in defence as well.

    In 20 league matches, Pirates have conceded only 15 times. In 18 league games, Amakhosi have let in 21 goals.

    In 13 cup matches, Amakhosi have conceded 11 times while Bucs have only conceded three goals in 11 cup encounters (domestic and conventional competitions included for both sides).

    Verdict: Pirates

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    • Midfield

    A whole bunch of Bucs midfielders have excelled in the past couple of months and have helped alleviate the injuries up front. Deon Hotto, Vincent Pule, Linda Mntambo, Fortune Makaringe, Ben Motshwari, Thabang Monare have all been in fine form and have managed to even negate the injury absence of talisman Thembinkosi Lorch.

    For Chiefs, it’s only really Nkosingiphile Ngcobo and Happy Mashiane who have emerged with much credit.

    Verdict: Pirates

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    • Strikers

    This is a department in which both sides have battled, mainly due to injuries, but also due to form. Amakhosi will still be without key forwards Khama Billiat, Leonardo Castro and Lebogang Manyama, while Dumisani Zuma is an injury doubt and Samir Nurkovic is on a run of 12 games without a goal.Pirates have recently welcomed Gabadinho Mhango and Tshegofatso Mabasa, and the latter scored in midweek in the Confederation Cup.

    Verdict: Pirates

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    • Manager

    Orlando Pirates coach Josef Zinnbauer has had his doubters and earlier this season there were those who felt he was tinkering too much with the line-up.

    But the German has managed to win over the Bucs faithful and was this week confirmed as Pirates’ most successful coach over his first 50 matches – winning 30 games for a win percentage of 60%. Winning the MTN8 trophy in December last year and ending a six-year wait for silverware also aided his cause.

    By stark contrast, Chiefs coach Gavin Hunt is arguably enduring the worst spell of his 20-plus years managerial career.

    Verdict: Pirates

    Overall verdict: Pirates win the categories 4-1

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    Photo of osprimetv osprimetv Follow on Twitter Send an email March 19, 2021Last Updated: March 19, 2021
    160 2 minutes read
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