LISTEN: Pirates move closer to Champions League, but can they beat Kaizer Chiefs?

Orlando Pirates are heavy favourites now to wrap up Caf Champions League football for next season, whatever the result of Wednesday evening’s DStv Premiership game at home to Royal AM.

Jose Riveiro has done a superb job in his first season with the Buccaneers, winning the MTN8 and getting to the Nedbank Cup semifinals, as well as finding a winning formula with Pirates in the Premiership this year.

The Buccaneers were on a run of six league victories in a row heading into the Royal AM game, a run that has lifted them ahead of SuperSport and into pole position to take second place behind runaway champions Mamelodi Sundowns.

Yet Pirates supporters may not be entirely happy with their season, largely because Pirates still do not seem able to beat the old enemy Amakhosi.

The Buccaneers have lost both Premiership encounters to them this season, and now the pressure is on both teams as Pirates and Chiefs meet on Saturday in the Nedbank Cup semifinals.

For Arthur Zwane’s men there is the not-so-minor matter of eight years without a single Premier Soccer League trophy. For Pirates, meanwhile, they need to show that they can stand the heat in the derby and deliver when it matters most to their supporters.

In this week’s Ballz to the Wall Podcast, Phakaaathi editor Jonty Mark, along with Phakaaathi football writers Sibongiseni Gumbi and Tshepo Ntsoelengoe, look at the derby, and whether Pirates can find a way to beat the old enemy.

We also look at Loftus Stadium’s selection as the venue for the Nedbank Cup final, and take a look at Sunday’s semifinal between Sekhukhune and Stellenbosch.

You can listen to the latest Ballz to the Wall podcast right here or on iono.fm.