Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Benedict ‘Tso’ Vilakazi is convinced there is only one player at Kaizer Chiefs who would currently command a starting spot at the Buccaneers.
Vilakazi was speaking during a virtual media roundtable last Friday, ahead of this weekend’s highly anticipated Soweto Derby between Chiefs and Pirates in the Betway Premiership at FNB Stadium.
He maintains that while the two Soweto giants have spent the last decade watching Mamelodi Sundowns dominate the local landscape, only a single player from the current Amakhosi squad is of the calibre required to break into the Pirates starting lineup.
Sundowns have won eight successive league titles, while Chiefs’ closest was in the 2019/20 season under Ernst Middendorp, when they finished second. Bucs have been bridesmaids in the last three seasons.
As the two Soweto giants prepare to clash in the much-anticipated Derby, both find themselves in the top four. Pirates currently sit second on the log, level on 38 points with leaders Sundowns, who hold the top spot thanks to a superior goal difference. Comparing the quality of the two squads, Vilakazi remains convinced that his former club is in the stronger position heading into the weekend.
THE CHIEFS PLAYER VILAKAZI FEELS IS GOOD ENOUGH FOR PIRATES
“I’ll have [Lebohang] Maboe [if I were to pick a player from Chiefs],” said Vilakazi. Interestingly, the versatile former Sundowns star has recently shifted to a defensive midfield position with Sibongiseni Mthethwa sidelined through injury and Thabo Cele only just returning to the squad.
“I think he is good in that central midfield. He can control that midfield. He does not lose the ball, and he always comes into the spaces. You feel more comfortable having him in the central midfield. He is a player I would have. And the rest, I am okay, not in a bad way. I can only have this one.”
Vilakazi praised the former Maritzburg United midfielder for his contributions both defensively and offensively. “He’s playing in a defensive role, and he can pass the ball. He can play, and that’s one thing I like about him. When he gets the ball from defence, he is going to have options. He makes things simple.”
Maboe, developed at Chiefs, rejoined the club after several years at Sundowns on a free transfer. His experience in a youthful team has been evident. Chiefs’ co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef are hopeful for a victory in the Soweto Derby encounter. Besides bragging rights, a win would keep them closer to the chasing pack in the league.
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