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| Tefu Mashamaite |
Former Benoni United and Moroka Swallows attacking midfielder William "Sneezing Machine" Makhura is putting his money on Chiefs. "Pirates are beginning to gel and have regained an appetite for goals," he said.
"But they must start scoring goals in the PSL (Premier Soccer League) like they are doing in the African Champions League. What has impressed me with Pirates lately is that their players also congratulate the creator of the goal. They are now a unit, which I think will create problems for many clubs.
"On the other hand, I give Chiefs the edge to win the derby because their coach has instilled the hunger to win more trophies. Chiefs’ attack is too powerful.
"What is good is that defenders like Mulomowandau Mathoho and Tefu Mashamaite are also scoring goals. In fact, I tip Chiefs to go all the way and win the tournament."
Another soccer legend, Calvin "Michael Jackson" Petersen, believes game will end in a draw but Chiefs will win the second leg. "Both teams are on fire," the former Swallows and Durban Bush Bucks striker said.
‘‘Pirates were really outstanding against Zamalek last weekend. I would say the first leg will be a draw, but I give the return leg to Chiefs.
"The biggest challenge for Pirates is the focus on bringing the second star in the African Champions League ."
Former Mamelodi Sundowns and Pretoria Callies defender Steve "Principal" Pila also tipped Chiefs to go all the way to the final. "The two giants have peaked at the right time ahead of the derby," he said.
‘‘It is one hell of a game and the supporters will get their money’s worth. It will be a close one but I give it to Chiefs."
Jomo Cosmos development coach and former Bafana Bafana defender Andrew "Jaws of Life" Rabutla is also impressed with Chiefs and expects Amakhosi to beat Pirates. "Pirates are a bit shaky at defence and I think that is where Chiefs will capitalise," he said.
‘‘Siyabonga Sangweni is back from injury, but I doubt if his match fitness is up to scratch."
Former Mahwelereng Real Rovers captain Humphrey "Boom Shaka" Sithole was the only one who went against the tide and predicted a win for Pirates. "Pirates will stop Chiefs from monopolising the PSL trophies," he said.
‘‘I was highly impressed with Pirates in their 4-1 win over Egyptian giants Zamalek, they just have to transfer that fighting mentality into the PSL. The return of Sangweni is a major boost for Pirates (as) the defence has been a bit shaky since he got injured almost six months ago."View blog
In their last derby, Chiefs beat Pirates 1-0 in the Carling Black Label Cup at the same venue on July 27.
The PSL expect to put up the "sold out" signs for Saturday’s derby as early as this morning. By Wednesday evening, only 10,000 tickets were still available.
All the R40 "extra strong" tickets have been sold out, but those still available at Computicket, Shoprite and Checkers were for R60 and R150. "The demand for derby tickets is massive," PSL head of communications Connie Motshumi said.
"It will be a ‘sold-out’ board in the next 24 hours. It’s a rare occurrence to have the derby taking place in a cup competition at a time when the two sides are performing well.
"At the same time, we also have Platinum Stars and BidVest Wits doing well under their new coaches (Gavin Hunt and Allan Freese). We are going hard with Dikwena and Wits to mobilise support for their game so that we will also have a good crowd on Sunday."
Wits and Dikwena meet for the other MTN8 semifinal encounter.
Stars media officer Aubrey Molobi said they were promoting the game at nearby schools, taxi ranks and shopping malls. "Our support is growing gradually because the team has been doing well.
"The new players that we have brought to the club will also help in terms of building our profile."
Source : bdlive.co.za
Tags : cup, Chiefs vs Pirates, Tefu Mashamaite, mtn 8 semi final,about Kaizer Chiefs
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