Good day from a very wet Johannesburg. Not the kind of Friday you want before a big day, but it’s nature and it has to take it’s course. and TGIF!
The official Soweto Derby press conference took place yesterday with the captain (1st Captain Khune) and the head coach took questions from journos about preparations leading up to the big game. Such is the growth of technology in our country, the presser was streamed live on the league’s official website (www.psl.co.za). Listening to the coach answering to some of the questions, I sort of got the feeling that he might be one of our loyal readers. He uttered almost the exact same words I did on my blog yesterday. If you didn’t read our blog yesterday and have no idea what I’m talking about, do not despair as I’m certain he re-affirmed what was written.
“I would want to play Pirates every week because all our players are always ready for the big clash and don’t need any motivation,” Vermezovic says.“The position and current form counts for nothing on Saturday and my players are aware of that.”
This is exactly what defines the famous Soweto Derby, players are self-motivated and form counts for almost nothing as everything is decided on the day’s performance.
One thing though that I think will play an important role in this game is the mental strength of the players. The fact that Pierats suffered a humiliating defeat in the hands of Santos might mean the players or some players could be mentally weaker. The mere fact that we’ve had more time to prepare for this game, could give us some advantage on the mental side of the game. This could mean we go into the game mentally stronger than them. Not that this will be the absolute decider, but it sure will make some impact in how the game pans out.
Captain Khune said:
“We are favourites, because we didn’t play on Wednesday and that saved us some energy. Also, Pirates are under pressure because they lost to Santos so for us it is an advantage mentally,”
Reading these words from the captain sort of draws the picture for us. It tells us what the rest of the team is thinking about this fixture. It shows us that they are aware of what’s expected off them given the ‘mental’ advantage they have over Pierats players. It’s not a huge advantage, but it’s some advantage and that might be all that’s needed to get us the three points tomorrow.
Preview
On paper, we will present a stronger team. We have Shabba returning to action and they will be missing their captain Mawillies or Lekgwathi depending on what you prefer to call him. They will also be missing Boa Morte, who was confirmed injured yesterday at the presser. That will surely have an impact on their rhythm, but we should not fool ourselves into thinking the players they will field will be less capable.
Our notable injuries
Missing from our team though will be Thomas ‘Rambo’ Sweswe whom the team doctor completely ruled out for this game as he’ll be nursing an injury for the next three months, and Reneilwe ‘Yeye’ Letsholonyane’s also ruled out for the rest of the season. Sthembiso Ngcobo will only return in about a week now, so he’ll also be missing from the game.
Head to Head statistics
Our head to head stats show us that over the past 21 games against the Rats, we’ve won 8 games while they’ve only won 5. We’ve scored about 21 goals, which is 4 more compared to their 17. There have been about 8 draws between us and one hopes tomorrow will not become the 9th. But considering the importance of this game, I can confidently rule out a draw.
Form
The form table clearly indicates that were’ve had the upper hand. They’ve suffered two defeats and we’ve not lost a game in the last 6 games. If form would be the decider of this game, we would come out unscathed.
As you can see, looking at numbers and injuries, we are almost on the same level as the Mayfair Rats. That little mental advantage we might have could be the important decider. As much as everyone expects the team to win, they also have the responsibility of going out there with that mentality. Knowing exactly what we expect of them and deliver accordingly.
I predict a win for us, a clean sheet for Itumeleng Khune and the guy with ‘balls’ (Majoro) scoring a brace. Mandla Masango’s form has been scintillating, he’ll be important for us tomorrow and so will be Shabba’s presence. Experience will also play an big role, so the likes of Nengo, Dladla, Shabba, Tau will need to raise their hands and lead the younger players, to victory.
Without passion and willingness to fight till there’s nothing left, we’ll not get the result we want, but a true fight will get us the bragging rights and the important three points.
‘Till tomorrow,
Shappa Khosi Shappa!
You hit the nail on the head khosi. Our boyz just need 2 show the passion and hunger. I think we stand a good chance of registering a double. Our ‘new’ captain said it’s gonna be a battle of the country’s 2 best goalies. I like the fact that khune has an unlikely route one assist in him. Rise khosi
Nice blog Khosi, can’t wait for the game.
Rise Khosi Rise!!! Siyabangena asidlali nabo kusasa sithel’induku
I’m with u khosibloger about a clean sheet 4 Khune but bona re a ba SaSaRa & shut the already closed big mouths’he he 2nd star!he he ha re na chalenge in PSL’re ba fa Zebra kick down 2 position 5 downwards,then theyl learn 2 acept AMAKHOSI is club of GLOMOUR,STYLE & TRENDSETERS,bona ke bo luckyboys it ends there,no hublybubly.ha melomo e le shut then mayb they can start wining BUT with ada teams not the MIGHTY AMAKHOSI,stats has shown but cause ke bo slow learner they stil fight reality but no problem 2morow re tlo ba kokota the hard heads until they uderstand.VV yena he must not leav his peoples skils in the dres room.he must b kind,encouraging,confident,motivating & loving father 2 the boys.bo boo boys,impatient & unpatriotic 13 players ba se ke batla stadium,ho tlaya rona ba pelo tse thata & wl b singing ‘MBOBO VULEKA’patiently & enthusiasticaly.til 2morow Khosi le lihle!once a pirate,ALWAYS chiefs,KHOSI 4 LIFE!rise khosi rise!
Couldnt have put it any better! Today , pierats’ loss on wednesday counts for nothonh! They are a wounded lion and wil definitely come at us with all they have. So lets please not be complacent.Lets go out there, attack attack attack and attack even more and collect the 3 points!
How sweet the victory will be… All in ur hands boys!
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH HEHEHEHEHEHEHEHE