Cape Town – Jose Riveiro (Orlando Pirates) and Arthur Zwane (Kaizer Chiefs) have determined their primary areas of concentration ahead of Saturday’s Soweto derby at FNB Stadium.
Zwane is well-versed in the drama of the Soweto derby, having played for both the Chiefs and the Pirates. However, this is his first time coaching a squad on South Africa’s most important football day. He is aware South Africa will come to a halt.
Riveiro has never witnessed a Soweto derby, but he has coached in European countries such as Italy and Spain, where he would have witnessed some of the most popular derbies in the world.
The preparation of Zwane will rest on three critical aspects. He must find a method to neutralize the formidable Kermit Erasmus-Monnapule Saleng duo and bring out the best in the off-color Ashley du Preez. Afterwards, he must ignite the general performances of playwrights Keegan Dolly and Khama Billiat.
Saleng has emerged as the most dangerous attacking player in the Premier League, excelling in both scoring and assisting. Because he is constantly on the move when his team is attacking, he is an absolute nightmare to man mark.
The arrival of Erasmus has brought out his greatest qualities, and the two have developed a fantastic rapport. They have evolved as a formidable force in Pirate attacks.
Training session on Wednesday afternoon #Amakhosi4Life pic.twitter.com/yqPs1LcuE1
— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) October 26, 2022
The Chiefs have yet to reap the benefits of Du Preez’s purchase, as he has been inconsistent this season. He was a major contributor to Stellenbosch FC’s success in the league over the past two seasons as a very talented striker.
Du Preez displayed some development against TS Galaxy two weeks ago; Zwane must bring out the best in him. It would be advantageous if the Chiefs constructed a few plays around his speed.
Dolly and Billiat’s lackluster performances this season have been a significant disappointment for Chiefs. Both players have stellar reputations as match-winners, and Saturday’s prestigious platform could inspire them to improve.
Training session on Wednesday afternoon #Amakhosi4Life pic.twitter.com/3pEgs7kfZd
— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) October 26, 2022
Zwane must clarify their matchday duties so that the Chiefs can get the most out of the seasoned combination, who have both demonstrated their quality in the past.
Riveiro has not stopped smiling since Pirates’ 3-0 MTN8 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns last weekend. He is aware that his team will enter the match with confidence, but he has warned them against complacency.
Although Pirates are the home team, his first responsibility will be to guarantee that Erasmus and Saleng are prepared to smash Chiefs in their backyard. Due to logistics, the game will be played in FNB Stadium (Chiefs’ home field) instead of Orlando Stadium.
As impressive as Erasmus and Saleng have been in the Buccaneers’ attack, Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo has emerged as the team’s midfield kingpin. His shifting role in previous matches has kept the opposition guessing.
His linkman role in the middle of the field has been Ndlondlo’s greatest asset. He interprets the game effectively and drops into pockets of space so he can continue the attack. When holes arise in the rearguard, he is also adept at locating the front runners with slide-rule passes.
Miguel Timm, a vital element of the Pirates’ midfield, is currently suspended. Fortune Makaringe has excelled in his role as a defensive midfielder, but on Saturday he may be shifted from the wing to the central midfield position.
Although he has a propensity for playing near to his strikers, he is superb at thwarting early opposition attempts and might perform admirably against Chiefs.
Given the Pirates’ aggressiveness in attack, scoring opportunities have arisen, but they have been frequently missed.
This is an area that Riveiro will be working on, and if Pirates follow his instructions, future opponents are in for some massive defeats – just ask Sundowns.