Steve Komphela wary of Pirates in the Soweto derby

by Phumzile Ngcatshe

Tuesday Feb 27, 2018. 10:30

Despite their failure to claim the full three points against Bloemfontein Celtic last weekend, Kaizer Chiefs coach Steve Komphela expects a tough clash against Orlando Pirates.

The Amakhosi boss is now preparing his troops for the highly anticipated Soweto derby this weekend at FNB Stadium.

Komphela believes the Buccaneers will pose a threat based on their tactical formations under coach Milutin Sredojevic.

Pirates bagged a 4-2 win over Chippa United on Sunday and Komphela says their 3-4-3 formation is best suited to the domestic style.

“This is one match I think‚ in my opinion‚ is going to be a defining one‚" Komphela said to TimesLive.

"From a tactical point of view‚ the set up for both teams is almost similar. They both play 3-4-3 and you can see how Orlando Pirates will be coming.

“If you look at teams that are playing with three defenders; look at Maritzburg United‚ Pirates‚ Chiefs.

"(Platinum Stars coach) Roger de Sa tried it in the game against SuperSport United. (SuperSport United coach) Eric Tinkler has tried it. There is something about this concept of the three-man defence.

“Orlando Pirates are playing it so well‚ we are playing it so well. So I want to see what happens.”

The clash is seen as one of the most important for both teams as they want to close the gap on log leaders, Mamelodi Sundowns, who have 40 points.

Chiefs have 35 points at number three whilst Pirates are placed at the second spot with 36 points.