Kaizer Chiefs to do arch-rivals Orlando Pirates a massive favour?

Orlando Pirates fans will be begging for a miracle from Kaizer Chiefs when they face Sundowns in the Betway Premiership.

Pirates fans become Kaizer Chiefs fans for a weekend

The Brazilians hold a commanding 12-point lead over their only credible challengers for the title, Orlando Pirates. The Buccaneers have three games in hand, but recent history suggests that Sundowns will have enough in the tank. This coming weekend, Pirates fans will temporarily wear their Chiefs hats and hope the Glamour Boys can take points off the runaway leaders. Kickoff between Sundowns and Chiefs is on Saturday 01 March at 15:30. Pirates need Sundowns to drop points ar regular intervals in the next few rounds of action; they’d see now as a perfect time to start.

Pirates need a birtusal miracle

You have to go back to April 2021 for Chiefs’ last win over the South African champions in any competition. Ironically, Uruguayan Gaston Sirino was a goal-scorer for Sundowns on that afternoon. Downs are unbeaten in each of the last NINE H2Hs across all competitions.

Orlando Pirates sneak a few wins

Since their 4-1 defeat to Sundowns, Orlando Pirates have responded well. They beat Baroka 3-1 in the Nedbank Cup Round of 16 and then scored late, through Goodman Mosele, to beat Cape Town City 2-1 in the league. It’s a result that just about keeps them in the running.

Saleng Sage is a distraction

After hesitating to sell Monnapule Saleng, and with all possible suitors knowing he’s unhappy at the club, that will certainly drive his price down. Pirates’ bargaining position is significantly weakened. The player’s reluctance to stay is a big issue but that doesn’t mean they can’t get a good sum for the 26-year-old. The record departure in Pirates history was €2.3 million (R44 million) when Mbulelo ‘Oldjohn’ Mabizela moved to Tottenham in 2003-2004. It’s unlikely the Sea Robbers can fetch a number in that region, but there’s no reason why the 2022-2023 PSL Player of the Year shouldn’t command a decent fee. They should be looking to recover at least half (R22 million) especially if they can bring Sundowns to the market. The main question there is; do they want to strengthen a rival? Can Kaizer Chiefs afford him?

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Will Chiefs do Pirates a big favour against Sundowns?

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