Soweto Derby: Chiefs to beat Pirates, Khune must start

Kaizer Chiefs are touted as favourites to beat Orlando Pirates, legend Shane McGregor says Itumeleng Khune must start between the goal posts. The retired striker, McGregor says it’s good that both Soweto giants come to the Soweto Derby having won their previous matches.

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Chiefs, under coach Cavin Johnson, beat Cape Town Spurs while Jose Riveiro’s troops beat Sekhukhune United in the DStv Premiership during the week.

Heading to the clash slated for FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon, the legend argues that the Naturena-based Chiefs will be the winner.

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SOWETO DERBY: CHIEFS TO BEAT PIRATES, KHUNE MUST START

While Amakhosi are still acclimatising to Johnson’s tactics and philosophy, the legend is confident they can upset and beat Pirates.

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“It’s a good thing that they both won their previous games, they will be confident,” says the legend to Sowetan.

“However, I think Chiefs have a slight advantage because they’ve been scoring goals while Pirates have struggled to find the back of the net in recent games.

“If Chiefs can be defensively sound, they will win because they are certain to score at least one goal per game.”

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Judging Chiefs’ previous outings, they have managed to find the back of the net on six occasions out of their last five games.

On the other hand, the Buccaneers were blunt as they scored four out of the same number of matches – McGregor backs his former side to take the full three points.

LEGEND ON WHY KHUNE MUST START VS. PIRATES

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The revered former Chiefs goal machine adds that Johnson will have a difficult decision to make in the goalkeeping department.

However, the legend advises that the veteran Khune is his preferred choice in a big match such as a Soweto Derby compared to Brandon Petersen.

“The coach [Cavin Johnson] has a difficult decision to make between Khune and Peterson,” adds the legend.

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“You’ve got the experience and you’ve got an upcoming keeper who’s been making mistakes. I think they must go with Khune because of his experience…it’s a derby where you need big personalities.”