Share

Klate up for tactical warfare

Johannesburg - The two-legged semi-final clashes between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates were likely be low-scoring, tactical affairs, said Pirates' influential midfielder Daine Klate.

"To a certain degree, people expect a dynamic game, but from a player's perspective you have to play in a certain way," Klate said, ahead of Saturday's first leg at FNB Stadium.

"Obviously you want an open game, but you don't want to make silly mistakes or technical ones.

"People want us to go out there and just have a go, but it wont be like that.

"It's going to be a bit like a boxing match.

"It's two legs, and they don't want us to wrap it up in first leg."

Pirates captain Lucky Lekgwathi said his team would have to be at their best to beat a formidable Chiefs' side.

The teams last met less than a month ago in the Carling Black Label Cup where the Amakhosi ran out 1-0 victors.

Pirates, meanwhile, would be buoyed by their recent results in the CAF Champions League but Lekgwathi said he would still be taking a cautious approach to the game.

"Chiefs are on top of their game and, for us, it's going to be big mountain to climb," he said.

"We lost against them earlier this month, so we just want to redeem ourselves and make our supporters happy."

Lekgwathi said his team would be weary of a fiercely attacking Chiefs outfit.

“It's never easy to play against them.

"Lehlohonolo Majoro, Bernard Parker and Knowledge Musona are especially capable of scoring, but the whole team is capable of scoring goals.”

Both sides boasted quality players, and a positive result would be equally difficult for either of them to achieve, he said.

"Whenever we play Chiefs, we want to perform.

"When people say the derby is boring, it's because both teams are tough.

"It's not easy to break Chiefs down, and it's not easy to break us down."

Chiefs player Reneilwe Letsholoyane agreed with his opponents and thought the game would not produce too many goals.

"We would love to win by five goals and you want to see more goals scored," said Letsholoyane.

"Unfortunately, there's a lot more involved in such games and it's about the opportunity to get to next stage.

"As a team, we're going in to win the game, but if its a draw, it's not the end of the world."

Letsholoyane, however, predicted Chiefs -- as the home team -- would come away with a positive result.

Despite coming into the clash as favourites, after winning the league and cup double last season, he said Chiefs would not feel any extra pressure and were highly motivated for the clash.

"We are going to win 1-0," Letsholoyane said.

"Everything has been going well in terms of preparation, and we did what we're supposed to do so we're ready for Saturday."

"A derby is the biggest game we can play domestically, so we never get tired of playing such games."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1471 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2250 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE