Pirates striker: We must be lethal against Chiefs
One of the most senior players and striker at Orlando Pirates says they must be lethal and composed in the box against Kaizer Chiefs.
Orlando Pirates striker Kermit Erasmus says they must be lethal as they will meet Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto Derby on Saturday afternoon.
The seasoned striker, Erasmus says there is nothing other than being sharp, lethal, and composed in the final third against their old rivals.
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The former Bafana Bafana hitman says a derby depends on who wants it the most but he believes they are showing an improvement upfront.
Pirates are fresh from a 1-0 win over last season’s Nedbank Cup losing finalists, Sekhukhune United in their DStv Premiership match and are in high spirits.
SEASONED STRIKER: WE MUST BE LETHAL AGAINST CHIEFS
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The former Mamelodi Sundowns striker, Erasmus believes that if they are composed and lethal, Chiefs defence will crack and they will convert their chances.
Judging Pirates’ recent form, coach Jose Riveiro’s men last scored more than one goal on October 20 when they beat Cape Town Spurs 2-0 in the Carling Knockout last 16.
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“I think we need to be composed in the final third. We’ve been creating chances even in the results that were not going our way,” Erasmus told the media.
“We cannot hide from the fact that stats play a role in football as well. And the stats show that we are getting in the final third and key positions. Our execution in the final action to have the final pass we are just lacking on that.
“We’ve been working on that this week. If you look at the game we played on Tuesday [against Sekhukhune], we managed to get the result from what we have been trying to do, having composure in front of goal.
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“Hopefully, this weekend, we will have more of that and convert the chances that we create.”
PIRATES OUT TO CONVERT CHANCES VS. CHIEFS
While Chiefs could be touted as underdogs considering their coaching changes as they recently announced Cavin Johnson as an interim manager after replacing Molefi Ntseki, they are a threat.
Taking a glance at Chiefs’ previous outings, they have managed to find the back of the net on six occasions out of their last five games.
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On the other hand, the Buccaneers were blunt as they scored four out of the same number of matches.
“Who wants it more, who is hungry on the day, who is willing to do the things that the opposition is not willing to do,” adds the striker.
“It’s one of the biggest games in Africa. I don’t think previous results or previous form play a role.
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“Yes, you are motivated to do the best as a team. I think if you present on the day mentally, physically, and emotionally, you absorb everything that comes with what the game brings and you will adjust to whatever happens.”