Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs stadiums are under 10 kilometres apart, showing how tight-knit the Soweto rivalry is.
According to KickOff, “Chiefs are currently linked with a sensational swoop for Orlando Pirates striker Zakhele Lepasa”.
Neighbouring clubs don’t often engage in business, but with Lepasa out of the pecking order – as Jose Riveiro continues to opt for Tshegofatso Mabasa and Evidence Makgopa instead – the Buccaneers may not be opposed to letting the striker go and freeing up cash flow for another signing.
Can the Pirates and Chiefs glory days
It’s been over a decade since the PSL trophy bounced back and forth between the sides, a time when Bernard Parker, Siphiwe Tshabalala and Benni McCarthy caused havoc for defenders.
Orlando Pirates Spanish magician
Having just won their third successive MTN8 Cup and qualified for the CAF Champions League, the Pirates faithful are loving life under Riveiro.
And it seems the Spanish tactician feels the same about his side, who praised their performance following a solid 2-0 victory over SuperSport on Tuesday, saying, “I think we did a good job even though we made a couple of mistakes in our build up, that gave them the opportunity to create some problems.
“But I think we managed to, especially to not allow SuperSport to step in our box. I think they had a really, really low number of touches in our box, which is very important against this team.”
“Deano [van Rooyen] and [Deon] Hotto, sometimes also with the cooperation of the wingers, they did a really good job to block the crosses, which is a dangerous element of SuperSport”, Riveiro added.
“I think the first half was quite under control. There was a moment in the end that we defended, a little bit too low and we tried to correct it in the second half. Then they changed to a back three early in the second half, and we were not defending exactly the way we wanted.
“Again, we defended a little bit too close to SuperSport, but doing a good job not allowing them to go to dangerous spaces.
“I think with the introduction of Innocent [Maela] we had even more control in those situations. I think we managed to create a lot of chances, three or four clear chances in the second half to finish the game. In the end we scored a very late goal to consolidate the victory, it was an important three points.”
Do you think Orlando Pirates will have a better season than the Chiefs?
Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or emailing info@thesouthafrican.com. You can also send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for your social fix.
