Chiefs will test Pirates' character

Orlando Pirates will go to their much anticipated game against Kaizer Chiefs with their tales high after a brilliant run of 13 games unbeaten and the number one spot in the league. But the back to back defeats against their arch – rivals will still be fresh in their minds.

This game will be a humdinger and definitely a match to remember. It is still to early to call the match a title decider, but you can bet your last Zim dollar that it will have a big say on who wins the league.

Looking at Orlando Pirates, they know all to well that three points in this game will give them more confidence and a bit of a breather, considering the fact that their opponents are serious title challengers. They know that a defeat means they lose the top spot and I’m sure they will not want to see that happening at this stage of the season. A win for them is non-negotiable.

Another important factor is that Pirates will want to win this game to avoid the wrath of their supporters. Another loss to Chiefs will be a disaster for the Bucs in many ways than one. Coach Rudi Krol though will have to make sure that his troops don’t go into this match with revenge as their motive. I don’t have to say how dangerous that will be for Pirates.

As for Amakhosi, the game will be a tricky one. Firstly having had an upper hand over Pirates this season, they will have to dig deep if they really want to win this game. Complacency will be a no- no for them and coach “VV” will have to drum that into his players heads.

Chiefs will be motivated by the fact that if they win this encounter, beating their arch-rivals- they will go to the top of the league. A win will also give them and their supporters even more bragging rights to say they have been a better side than the Bucs this season. While a loss might put a dent on their title aspirations.

Both teams have the players to put on a great spectacle and give their supporters something to write home about.

For the coaches, Krol will be the one under pressure as he will be trying to protect his teams’ unbeaten run and the top spot. Plus he will not want to loss to chiefs again this season.

“VV” is not off the hook either, Kaizer Motoung wants the league title so he needs to deliver. We can expect yet another cracker of a game from these giants.

By Siphiwe Hlongwane