October 30, 06:45IOL

Pirates defender Sibisi reacts to criticism of physical play ahead of derby with Kaiser Chiefs

Orlando Pirates defender Nkosinathi Sibisi admitted that the team continues to work on improving its ability to handle matches requiring high physical exertion ahead of the Soweto Derby against Kaiser Chiefs on Saturday.

The Pirates have faced questions regarding their ability to counter opponents who disrupt the game's tempo with aggressive tackles and physical confrontations. This issue has resurfaced ahead of their latest meeting with their main rival.

The captain of the Buccaneers emphasized that the physical aspect itself is not the problem, but acknowledged that the team still needs to develop this aspect of the game in preparation for the confrontation at FNB Stadium.

Sibisi stated: 'Physicality is not a problem for us if it is fair. Sometimes it is unfair, and why should we argue about that as a club?' He continued: 'As a club, we just want to play football in the best way possible, and I know people say we tend to struggle when the match becomes physical, but that is not our style of play.'

He added: 'We are trying to grow in this aspect as a team, and we will see how everything goes on Saturday.'

These comments highlight a potential tactical challenge for the Pirates, who will have to find a way to impose their style of play against the Chiefs, who aim to make an impression in the Soweto Derby.

The Pirates' preference for playing on the ground and building attacks may be tested if the Chiefs decide to turn the match into a duel battle, a fight for the second ball, and physical intensity.

'The Buccaneers' will be careful that the match does not deviate from their preferred approach, especially in a match where emotions, pressure, and the occasion itself can affect the pace of the game.

For Sibisi and his teammates, the task will be to match the intensity of the Chiefs without abandoning the football principles they believe give them an advantage.

The Pirates enter the derby as reigning Betway Premier League champions, but Sibisi's admission suggests that technical skill might not be enough if the contest turns into a physical battle.

The defender's comments also open up a possible avenue for the Chiefs to disrupt the champions' rhythm, although the Pirates intend to demonstrate that their efforts to improve in this area are beginning to pay off.

Since pride and valuable league points are at stake, the match on Saturday will be another test of whether the Pirates can maintain their identity when opponents try to take them out of their comfort zone.

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iol.co.zaOctober 30, 06:35

The upcoming Soweto Derby between Pirates and Chiefs promises to be a significant event in South African football

The forthcoming Soweto Derby, set to take place at the fully packed FNB Stadium, promises to be another defining moment in South African football. Two undefeated giants, whose rivalry spans over five decades, will meet in the match, with issues of security, pride, and points being central concerns.

The fixture between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, two of the country's most popular and highly supported teams, is scheduled for 15:30 at the FNB Stadium. Although the Chiefs hold a historical advantage, the Pirates are defending their Betway Premiership championship title and have shown better recent form in league encounters.

Both teams have avoided defeat this season, but the Pirates have proven significantly more effective at turning games into wins, making them favorites heading into the derby. Nevertheless, the previous meeting in April ended in a 1-1 draw, serving as a reminder of how quickly statistics and form can become irrelevant when these fierce rivals clash.

The Soweto Derby transcends a mere football match; it is a rivalry forged by generations, legendary players, and unforgettable events, supported by millions of fans whose devotion to either club runs deeper than the result of 90 minutes. The roots of this rivalry trace back to 1970, giving rise to a football spectacle filled with gripping stories, heroes, and villains.

Today's players inherit this tradition, bearing the responsibility of adding their names to the history of a rivalry that has witnessed the evolution of South African football across eras. Pirates and Chiefs enter the Saturday match without losses in the league, but their season starts suggest that the Buccaneers have more momentum. Pirates have won seven out of eight league matches and sit in second place, while Chiefs have secured three victories and drawn five, placing them fifth.

The teams also arrive with contrasting moods following their recent continental campaigns. Pirates secured a spot in the CAF Champions League group stage with a convincing victory over African Stars from Namibia. Meanwhile, Chiefs suffered a painful exit from the CAF Confederation Cup after losing to Red Arrows of Zambia on penalties.

It is expected that over 80,000 spectators will attend the Calabash Stadium, where generations of football passion will converge for an event that has become an integral part of South Africa's sporting and cultural identity. The atmosphere, rivalry, and emotional investment make this one of the biggest fixtures on the national football calendar. For Pirates, a win would strengthen their title chances and serve as further proof of an impressive start to the season. For Chiefs, it would be a statement result, narrowing the gap with their rivals and providing a timely response to those who consider them underestimated. Beyond the pitch, the derby carries another crucial task: ensuring the safety of tens of thousands of attending spectators.

iol.co.zaOctober 28, 16:45

Orlando Pirates and Durban City debutants receive tough groups in CAF competitions

South African representatives, the teams Orlando Pirates and Durban City, have been assigned challenging fixtures in the group stage of CAF tournaments following the draw held in Egypt on Wednesday.

In the CAF Champions League, the Pirates team landed in a difficult group alongside Moroccan giants RS Berkane, Tanzanian Simba SC led by South African coach Steve Barker, and Cameroonian side Colombe Sportive. Although the Buccaneers players are familiar with continental conditions, this draw presents significant risks.

RS Berkane are experienced participants known for achieving results, and a trip to Dar es Salaam to face Simba at the packed Benjamin Mkapa stadium is never easy. The addition of the unpredictable Colombe Sportive means that the Sea Robbers must be ready from day one to qualify for the playoffs.

Pirates will meet the Cameroonians for the first time, but they have a substantial recent history with the other two opponents. In 2022, they met Simba twice: in both instances, each team won at home 1-0, after which Pirates advanced to the final, winning on penalties 4-3. In the same 2022 Confederation Cup season, Bucs reached the final against Berkane but lost on penalties 5-4 after the match ended 1-1.

Meanwhile, Durban City found themselves in a real proving ground in Group C of the CAF Confederation Cup. The coastal team faced Moroccan side AS FAR, Tanzanian Azam FC, and Libyan team Al Ahli Tripoli.

This is a very serious challenge for Durban City, especially considering it is their first appearance on the continental stage. Trips to hostile territories in North and East Africa are easily considered one of the toughest tasks in football, particularly for South African teams, who often face harsh reception both on and off the pitch.

iol.co.zaOctober 27, 21:59

Orlando Pirates secured convincing 3-0 victory over Milford FC ahead of Soweto Derby

Orlando Pirates demonstrated impressive play, starting their defense of the Carling Knockout Cup title with a 3-0 victory over Milford FC on Tuesday at the Orlando Amstel Arena stadium.

The team, which secured a spot in the final eight, decided the outcome of the match in the first half. Tapelo Mokobodi opened the scoring, followed by Tshepang Moremi who scored twice, completely taking control of the game for the Pirates.

This result also served as an ideal rehearsal for the upcoming Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday, as the Buccaneers maintained their momentum ahead of one of South Africa's biggest football events.

Mokobodi continued his impressive scoring streak, netting his second goal in two consecutive matches, allowing the home side to take the lead in the 15th minute. The 25-year-old midfielder broke through from the center of the pitch and connected with Moremi, who delivered a timely pass. Mokobodi remained calm in the penalty area and neatly slotted the ball into the lower corner of the net.

Then Moremi transformed from an assist provider into a scorer in the 34th minute, exploiting space behind the Milford defense. The winger received a pass, moved towards the goal, bypassed the goalkeeper, and scored from close range, doubling Pirates' advantage.

Since the Carling Knockout Cup features a prize of 100,000 rand for the player of the match, Moremi strengthened his chances for this award by scoring another goal in stoppage time of the first half. The forward completed his brace, making the score 3-0 before the break, marking a productive first half for the champion team and leaving Milford with a serious task.

After this, Pirates controlled the game, defending their lead, but simultaneously kept an eye on the bigger challenge awaiting them this weekend.

For coach Abdelsalam Waddu, this confident triumph was a pleasant stimulus before the derby, although the confrontation with Chiefs will present a completely different level of tension and pressure. Pirates will now focus their attention on Saturday's match, knowing that the victory over the Soweto rivals will be an even more significant statement after a strong start in the Carling Knockout Cup.

Meanwhile, for Moremi, the brace served as a timely reminder of his attacking prowess as Pirates strive to defend their cup title and continue competing in various tournaments.