Exclusive: Joseph Makhanya Predicts Orlando Pirates Will Win 100th Soweto Derby
- Retired Orlando Pirates midfielder Joseph Makhanya is confident that his team Orlando Pirates will beat rivals Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto Derby on Sunday afternoon
- Makhanya, however, has urged the Buccaneers to remain disciplined and work hard at their training ground in preparation for the match at the FNB Stadium
- However, Amakhosi's fight to win will be compounded as they will be missing Khune, Castro, Manyama and Billiat on the field
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Retired Orlando Pirates midfielder Joseph Makhanya believes his former team has the upper hand as they meet old rivals in the form of Kaizer Chiefs on Sunday afternoon.
Makhanya says the Buccaneers are brimming with confidence as they will be looking to bag their fourth win over Amakhosi across all competitions this term.
However, for coach Gavin Hunt, Chiefs will be without midfielder Lebogang Manyama through suspension while strikers Leonardo Castro and Khama Billiat are injured.
Source: Twitter
Moreover, goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune has been sidelined due to coronavirus pandemic regulations after his sister's tragic passing two weeks ago. Makhanya told Briefly.co.za:
“It's a big one for the guys but it's sad for our neighbours (Chiefs) who are going through a rough patch at the moment.
“So, going to the derby, many can argue that Chiefs are underdogs but they are truly going there not touted as favourites. However, Pirates have to take advantage of the Chiefs' situation.
“They have to maintain their good run over Chiefs. It's very difficult for our neighbours at the moment, when you can go for a long time without a win – that kills the morale of the players. I also think they will want to use this match to bounce back but it's not going to be easy because Pirates have quality and they have been winning.
“Pirates are yet to lose out of eight or nine matches. On the other hand, Chiefs might be shaky at the moment but Pirates can't undermine an opponent of that stature. I want to believe that Pirates have the edge and upper hand to win this one.”
With the two Soweto giants having already met three times this season so far, coach Josef Zinnbauer's men have claimed two victories in the MTN8 as well as in the DStv Premiership.
For this feat, 'Duku Duku' is confident the reigning Wafa Wafa champions can still go to the FNB Stadium and register a win.
Since their 2-0 defeat at the hands of Golden Arrows in the league back in February, the former African champions are yet to lose out of 10 matches across all competitions.
“Pirates have a big chance to win again, the odds favour Pirates. However, we need to be aware that talking is different from actually doing it.
“If there is that underdog tag, Pirates still have to be wary of Chiefs because football can surprise you. Yes, they have won all the derbies so far and they need to remain calm and do the job.
“This is the fourth one and it's special because this is the 100th Soweto Derby. It's home for Chiefs but Pirates are not scared to go there and win this one.”
Taking a look at the log table, Pirates sit third with 35 points from 20 games and the Naturena-based giants occupy the 11th spot with 20 points after playing 18 matches so far.
In other news, Briefly.co.za reported that the Glamour Boys might take time to erase their 4-0 loss at the hands of Wydad Casablanca in the CAF Champions League a few weeks ago.
In the wake of that embarrassing defeat, the South African football fraternity was not impressed with AmaKhosi, who had endured quite a struggle in order to play the match, after they went through all the trouble just to lose so horrendously.
Just before the clash slated for the 2010 FIFA World Cup hosting venue on Sunday, Chiefs drew against Petro de Luanda whilst Pirates beat Enyimba in their continental assignments earlier this week.
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Source: Briefly News
