It’s Soweto derby time and Kamlesh Gosai spoke to two derby legends: Patson Banda, legendary Orlando Pirates goalkeeper and Neil Tovey, former defensive stalwart for Kaizer Chiefs.
Patson Banda says:
Form and the derby
The last game I saw of Pirates, I wasn’t impressed with how they performed, but the derby brings out the best irrespective of form.
It’s like two bulls in one kraal. I’m expecting Pirates to redeem themselves from their present form. Chiefs have an edge in terms of form, if you look at the points they collected.
Muhsin Ertugral implementing his philosophy
My biggest problem when new coaches take over is the chopping and changing. My advice to a coach when they come into a club is to continue with what is working and only make few changes here and there.
Pirates is not the kind of club everyone can coach, so the changes he makes had better pay dividends, otherwise the supporters will come down hard on him.
Players who can make a difference
Last season a player like Thabo Rakhale was showing signs of coming up like a superstar, but now he looks like an ordinary player. There are individuals like Tendai Ndoro who look hungry to score, but where do goals come from? If the midfield supply is not up to standard, he’ll have to come back to fetch the ball himself - and then he won’t be as effective.
Freedom to play
It comes down to the coach and how much freedom he gives the players. If players cannot express themselves, you can’t get the best out of them. A player can’t shine as an individual if he’s not given the support from his team and the coach. But players must also use their discretion on how to play. The coach only gives direction on how to approach the game, but on the field that fades away and you must adapt to the demands of the game.
Neil Tovey says:
The unpredictability of the derby
Both sides are coming into form now, although Pirates’ goals have dried up somewhat, and Chiefs are not conceding many goals. Just when you think it is going to be tight, which it all points towards, there can be lots of goals in it.
Pirates and the final third
Pirates are blowing hot and cold - they play nicely until the final third. It’s the same old problem of sorting out the final third. If they can get the right combinations around Tendai Ndoro, he will score. (Mpho) Makola looks to be coming good.
Chiefs have form on their side
Both haven’t had the kind of starts that they would have liked, but if anyone is on form it is Chiefs. Being on top of the league gives Chiefs a bit of momentum, and that will be in their favour.
The game changer
Siphiwe Tshabalala is the go-to man for Chiefs. They haven’t had a character like that for a while, and his return brings more creativity and inspiration for the team.
Chiefs’ main scorer
Chiefs don’t have one striker who they rely on to score a lot of goals. Their goals can come from anywhere. Muhsin has his team defending collectively, so it’s never a problem of picking up one particular individual.
Kick-off is at 3.30pm.
The Mercury