Pirates confident of inflicting first defeat on Chiefs

Orlando Pirates captain Oupa Manyisa believes his team will become the first team to inflict defeat on Kaizer Chiefs this season of the Absa Premiership on 6 December.

Chiefs has had an unbeaten record run of 13 games in the premiership, drawing three of their matches and collecting 33 points out of a possible 39. They are 11 points ahead of second-placed Ajax Cape Town.

“We are not just aiming at collecting three points from the derby, but we hope to make a little history when we inflict the first defeat on rampant chiefs this Saturday,” said Manyisa. “The three points will just be a cherry on top.”

Manyisa has taken over The Ghost captaincy from their late goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa, who was killed in a shooting incident on 26 October.

“We don’t need any form of motivation when we go into a derby game. The fact that it is a derby match is motivation enough for any player in the team. I am confident that we shall come out of the FNB Stadium victorious, with a little history on our side.”

Even stand-in coach Eric Tinkler was confident. “You have just heard from the commander-in-chief of the players,” he said. “They don’t need any motivation for this game, and they will just go and finish the job.”

Chiefs, energised by their mid-week victory over Bidvest Wits are determined to maintain their winning streak at the expense of the Buccaneers.

“Although I cannot say we are going to win on Saturday, I can tell you that the boys will not enter the FNB Stadium like sheep to slaughter,” said Amakhosi coach Stuart Baxter.

“If you need assurance that we shall win, then you will have to take out an insurance policy. It’s the only thing that is guaranteed.”