Kaizer Chiefs’ defence has come under scrutiny heading into Saturday’s Soweto Derby confrontation with Orlando Pirates at FNB Stadium.
Hailed as the most improved department earlier this season, the Amakhosi rearguard now appears shaky. The Glamour Boys go into Saturday’s match having conceded seven goals in their last four matches across all competitions.
This is a dip of a side that was being lauded as having a solid defensive record, with goalkeeper Brandon Petersen recently getting rave reviews for keeping 15 clean sheets in 23 games. That has left Chiefs praying for the return of centre-back Inacio Miguel who has missed their last three games with injury.
The Miguel-Zitha Kwinika combination at the heart of the defence has been the most used this season. While there has been attention on Amakhosi’s attacking frailties, the defence has also come under scrutiny, especially ahead of the derby, after being leaky in recent games.
ARE PIRATES ATTACKERS LICKING THEIR LIPS LOOKING AT CHIEFS’ DEFENCE?
Former Pirates defender Gavin Lane has urged the Buccaneers to take advantage of Chiefs’ fragile backline and unlock it. Pirates have scored eight goals in their last four games, the same period Amakhosi have lapsed at the back.
“The coach [Pirates’ Abdeslam Ouaddou] should just bring every single player to play 10/10. That can only enhance our chances of winning, but nothing is guaranteed. But Pirates have to win. The derby atmosphere is unreal, I played in it,” Lane told FARPost.
“Pirates are favourites to win. Yes, they are coming from a setback, but I think the way Chiefs have been conceding goals lately can give them hope. Just take advantage of that.
“Chiefs started well at the back but they are a bit wobbly now. I know Chiefs will try to plug the gaps in their defence because they are aware Pirates will try to exploit that. It’s anyone’s game though.
“I was talking to a good friend of mine and he said the same thing that anyone can pitch on the day. But Pirates want it more with the way they have been playing well.”
OUADDOU’S MAIDEN SOWETO DERBY AND PIRATES’ FORM
While Chiefs co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef tasted the Sowerto Derby as assistants to Nasreddine Nabi last season, this will be Ouaddou’s first involvement in this traditional fixture. The Moroccan will be trying to motivate a team reeling from two straight defeats going into this game.
“Pirates are playing well, although there was a bit of a shock in the Nedbank Cup. But it happens, that’s football for you,” Lane said.
“Sundowns are a hard side to beat to we cannot read much into that game. Coming to the Chiefs match, a derby is very difficult and you cannot tell what will happen. The coaches can change players.
“Yes, it’s the Pirates coach’s first derby, but he knows about this game just like everyone else. I understand he played at the highest level. But he will feel the unbelievable atmosphere. He just needs to settle down, calm down and let his guys play normal rhythm.”
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