adminHAVING faced each other twice already this season, Soweto rivals Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates will meet in yet another derby match. This time they meet in an Absa Premiership match at the FNB Stadium today. Kick-off time is set for 3:30pm. Pirates head into this match carrying the favourites tag after the Buccaneers prevailed 2-1 on aggregate in their MTN 8 semi-final showdown against Chiefs, they won the first leg 1-0 while the second leg ended 1-1. Roger de Sa’s men are also boosted by the fact that they have reached the final of the Caf Champions League.
De Sa acknowledges that his side head into this match riding on momentum and hopes that his side can carry it right through the derby even though they have faced a heavy fixture schedule.
“The boys are confident heading into the clash with Chiefs,” said the former Bidvest Wits coach.
“We have been doing well lately and they (players) want to play every match and they are producing the goods.
“Derby matches are always tight affairs, we hope to come out on top after the match but we also know the challenges we will face against Chiefs.”
The Buccaneers are placed last on the Absa Premiership log with three points from two matches; they are currently five matches behind in the league programme due to their great run on the African continent. Ironically this is Pirates’ first away league match of the season.
Chiefs on the other hand are placed fourth on the Absa Premiership log with 11 points from six matches. They have racked up seven points from their last three league matches.
Their last outing was a 2-1 home win over Platinum Stars. The team in gold and black is unbeaten at home this season, having claimed two wins and a draw from three matches.
Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter has pointed out that his side will be facing a team that is riding high on confidence heading into this clash but the reigning Absa Premiership coach of the season hopes to spoil the party for Bucs.
“Every time we play a derby game we know that there is a little bit more at stake than three points,” said Baxter. There is bragging rights at stake for the supporters and also there is gaining impetus in the league.
“We have an opponent that is coming into the match with massive confidence and we have to deal with all of that. Plus we have to worry about our own game and keep things together and hopefully we can come out with three points but the road there is a long one.”
Last season the teams shared the spoils in both of their league clashes, drawing 1-1 in the home game for Bucs and 0-0 with Amakhosi as hosts. – SuperSport
Online Reporter