It’s the third official Soweto Derby of the season! Chiefs will lock horns with Pirates in the semi-final of the Nedbank Cup on Saturday. Marc Strydom previews.
Kaizer Cheifs vs Orlando Pirates
Nedbank Cup Semi-Final
Saturday 6 May – 15:00
FNB Stadium
Orlando Pirates will be aiming to take another giant step toward securing their second piece of silverware for the season when they face off against Kaizer Chiefs in this Nedbank Cup semi-final.
While Pirates appear to be a team on the up, taking the initiative in the race for the CAFCL qualification, Chiefs have struggled to string together the league wins. All will be forgiven, however, if the Glamour Boys can get their hands on a first trophy since winning the league in 14/15.
Who will come out on top this weekend? Chiefs have got the better of their rivals on two occasions in the league this season, but the Buccaneers are red-hot at the minute and will fancy their chances here. It’s shaping up to be a cracker. Marc Strydom previews.
The draw 🔮 | The reaction 🗣
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) April 16, 2023
Here’s the reaction of the Chiefs players and management as Pirates were announced as their opponents.#NedbankCup pic.twitter.com/YkpFyKIR7s
To Win Match (90 Mins)
Chiefs 17/10 | Draw 18/10 | Pirates 17/10
To Qualify
Chiefs 9/10 | Pirates 9/10
Kaizer Chiefs will be “at home” to Orlando Pirates in a mouth-watering Soweto Derby Nedbank Cup semi-final. Chiefs have had the better of fierce rivals Pirates in their last two meetings, leaving the bragging rights with the Glamour Boys, and a third straight win will be huge for coach Arthur Zwane and their continental tournament hopes.
There have been a lot of questions asked about Zwane and if he’s the right man for the job. And let’s be honest, all things take time, and to be fair to him, Chiefs have improved tremendously and seem to be heading in the right direction, albeit it not at the pace demanded by the AmaKhosi faithful. Despite this, they now have the chance to end an eight-year trophy drought.
Zwane has a chance to silence all the critics if he can lead Kaizer Chiefs to a record 14th Nedbank Cup title. The fans will be in full voice behind their team, but as we all know, cup football is different to league football and anything can happen on the day. Zwane has done a great job getting the team this far and will know the importance of winning trophies for the development of his team.
During the semi-final draw that confirmed the Soweto derby fixture, Chiefs players, the technical team and management were visibly excited to be pitted against their fierce rivals, which makes this fixture spicier than we think, but coach Zwane has urged his players not to get carried away and remain focused on the job at hand, because this will not be an easy fixture.
Pirates know the threat Chiefs deliver in the final third with the likes of Christian Saile, who looks to have made that right wing his own, Mduduzi Shabalala who is a bright young talent that compliments the players around him and Ashley du Preez who has been a victim of Chiefs boo boys but has shown his ability in recent weeks. Amakhosi have adopted a different style of play but must trust the process and believe in what they do as this could be the biggest game of their season.
Of concern to Zwane will be their two recent league defeats against Swallows and Sekhukhune. With the type of firepower available to 10111, his side should be blowing teams like this away. If they’re undercooked coming into this fixture, Pirates could roll them over.
Sekhukhune lead against Chiefs 👀
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) April 23, 2023
Sammy Seabi smashes home from close range to put his side ahead!
📺 Stream #DStvPrem live: https://t.co/Tg69y0EeUL pic.twitter.com/EyzJGTVh2q
Orlando Pirates’ have enjoyed a stellar season thus far, winning the MTN8 as well as having recently taken control of the race for second in the DStv Premiership. The only real blips in the Buccaneer’s season have been the dual derby league defeats against their fierce rivals. A win here will banish those memories, and Jose Riveiro knows it.
He has attributed his team’s fine form to the positive impact from all the players, especially those who have come on as substitutes. The squad looks to be on the same page as they push on for strong end to the campaign. “I want to find myself in this moment of the season fighting for important things with the possibility of getting more titles for this club. We embrace the moment, and we want to stay in this moment as much as possible,” said Riveiro.
The Sea Robbers last won this competition way back in 2014 and are now just two games away from repeating the feat for the ninth time. Winning a double this season could prove the catalyst for a sustained DStv Premiership title charge next season.
Pirates have picked up momentum at a crucial part of the season. Even though they’ve had to endure a few injuries along the way, there is some light at the end of the tunnel with the return of Bafana Bafana star Thembinkosi Lorch. The 29-year-old’s return comes as a huge boost for Pirates who aren’t lacking for attacking threats.
They’ve got all of the tools at their disposal for opening up any team and carving out opportunities. The likes of Monnapule Saleng, Terrence Dzvukamanja and Deon Hotto all spring to mind.
Verdict: Orlando Pirates 17/10
Despite recording a league double over the Buccaneers this season, I just can’t see this Kaizer Chiefs side dealing well with the pressure of this big occasion. This combined with Pirates form has me leaning toward the Orlando outfit.
