Kaizer Chiefs lost the derby, but the performance might give Fernando da Cruz extra time

The head coach of Orlando Pirates, Abdelslam Waddu, admitted that his tactical decisions nearly led to his team's defeat in the Soweto Derby, despite the Buccaneers winning against Kaizer Chiefs with a score of 2-1.

Pirates needed a goal from Tshapanga Moremi in the second half to gain the advantage at FNB Stadium on Saturday after a difficult first half against their fierce rivals.

The Buccaneers were unexpectedly disoriented by the tactical approach of Chiefs, and many believe the home team was lucky to go into the break with a low score of 1-1.

Amakhosi had several chances to take control of the match, but their inability to convert these moments ultimately came at a high price for them.

Instead of blaming the players, Waddu took full responsibility for Pirates' difficulties in the first half, stating that his attempt to surprise Chiefs with a tactical change was unsuccessful.

He noted: 'I think we planned something in the first half, maybe some surprises, but I think I will take one. For the first time, I won't blame the players. The coach should be blamed for the first half,' he said.

He also added: 'I made a mistake. I tried to surprise the opponent with a tactical choice that turned out to be inaccurate, so I think coach Waddu put his team in trouble today. I could have cost the team the game, but thank God we went into the break with a score of 1-1.'

The Pirates coach also acknowledged that Chiefs had enough opportunities to make the derby unattainable for his team before the break.

Waddu believes that the missed chances gave Pirates the opportunity to regroup and ultimately punish their opponents after the restart.

He emphasized: 'Kaizer Chiefs had the chance to end the game in the first half. Probably the score should have been 3-1 if they had taken their chances, but unfortunately, they didn't. I always say, if you don't finish the game, you give your opponents a chance to finish it, and we finished them in the second half.'

Moremi scored the decisive goal in the 55th minute after Tapelo Mokobodi broke through Chiefs' high defensive line and set up the winger for his fifth goal of the Betway Premiership season.

This victory brings an important result for Pirates in one of South Africa's biggest football events, and Waddu's admission provided a rare insight into the tactical decisions behind this derby.

For members of the Kaizer Chiefs branch from Midrand, the upcoming derby in Soweto will be significant not only from a football perspective. It will be an opportunity to strengthen friendships, share a meal, and bring together fans of competing teams.

To avoid traffic jams, traveling members of the group plan to start the day early. They will gather at 10 am at Shoprite YaRona in Kaffrfontein before heading to the FNB stadium.

On site, they will coordinate the day's plan and travel logistics. Although the main group consists of Chiefs fans, it is also open to supporters of fierce rivals Orlando Pirates and neutral spectators, including Mamelodi Sundowns supporters.

The primary task in the morning is ensuring everyone has valid tickets for the match. The branch solves this complex issue through collaboration and advance planning to avoid violating game rules through the sale of counterfeit or over-capacity tickets.

The branch secretary, Pumza Kiki, told IOL Sport that 'we always know that tickets are a problem, so we make it a mission to use the branch funds for bulk ticket purchases.' She added that the system creates difficulties due to restrictions allowing one person to buy only four tickets at a time. Therefore, they distribute tasks by involving spouses and partners, combining numbers to secure the required amount.

Their efforts did not stop there. On Friday, the branch sent its members to sponsor events in Soweto to obtain additional tickets. Kiki explained: 'There was an event at Maponya Mall where our members participated in contests to get free tickets and bring them back. We try to be accommodating and help each other.'

The early gathering serves not only logistical purposes but also provides an opportunity to socialize over food and drinks, which is entirely driven by goodwill. Kiki shared: 'When we travel long distances and across the province, we mostly have women who prepare dumplings and umleqwa [traditional chicken dish].'

She continued: 'Before leaving, we eat everything that has been prepared and share it among ourselves. When the guys go to the store for alcohol, they always make sure to buy non-alcoholic drinks for those who don't drink. All of this is voluntary. No one is forced to spend money. We are like a happy family.'

The branch organized a fleet of seven registered minivans and one H1 to transport the fans. Operators pay a seasonal registration fee of 200 rand, while members contribute an annual fee of 120 rand. The round trip to Calabash costs each passenger 120 rand per day.

Rates are adjusted for matches outside the province: return transport to Polokwane costs 480 rand, to Mbombela — 500 rand, to Durban — 700 rand, and to Gqeberha — 1000 rand, with doors remaining open to rivals.

Kiki emphasized: 'We are the Kaizer Chiefs branch, but we do not close our doors to those who want to travel with us. After all, it's about football fans. It's not just about Kaizer Chiefs.'

Since the final whistle is expected around 5:30 pm at FNB, taxis will take passengers back to the meeting point in Kaffrfontein. As an extra courtesy, drivers will also drop off neighbors right at their homes or at nearby intersections.

For the Midrand branch, the derby ultimately means more than the result on the field. It is community, friendship, and a shared love for football that goes beyond club allegiances.

The coach of Kaizer Chiefs, Fernando da Cruz, appealed to the fans for unity among players, technical staff, and supporters, as 'Amakhosi' faced the possibility of an early exit from the CAF Confederation Cup.

The team suffered a 1-0 defeat against Zambian club Red Arrows in the first match of the second preliminary round at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, which requires them to work in the second round.

Since the decisive match is scheduled for next Friday at Moses Mabhida Stadium, da Cruz is counting on fan support to inspire the team to turn things around and maintain their participation in the continental campaign.

Da Cruz stated: 'We need them on Friday for the game to support us because I know the team is capable of changing the result.' The French coach emphasized that during difficult times, everyone associated with the club must move in the same direction, rather than letting pressure divide the team.

He added: 'The most important thing is that in difficult moments we must remain united: players, staff, club, and fans, to get through this period and achieve the best results.'

Chiefs will require a more convincing attacking performance after struggling to create clear goal-scoring opportunities in Zambia. Da Cruz admitted that changes might be necessary if his team wants to overcome Red Arrows and compensate for the deficit.

The coach noted: 'Certainly, we need to change something to create more chances. Usually, we create more chances in the PSL.' He also acknowledged that the first match was unusual due to his team's lack of attacking output, making it important for the technical staff to assess what went wrong before the return match.

'This is the first time we haven't created many chances, so we need to analyze it, and then we need to change something to have a chance to qualify.'

Now Chiefs' task is to put these words into action in front of their home fans. They need to win by at least two goals to guarantee qualification for the main round, while a one-goal victory would send the match into extra time if the aggregate score remains level.

For da Cruz, the message is clear: 'Amakhosi' needs collective response both on the field and in the stands if they want to avoid early continental setbacks.