Will Kaizer Chiefs sacrifice top 8 for the Nedbank Cup?

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Kaizer Chiefs will play Orlando Pirates back-to-back next month, hoping to end their losing streak against their neighbours.

The two Soweto giantsface each other in the Betway Premiership on 3 May before meeting again a week later in the Nedbank Cup semi-final. On whether Chiefs should sacrifice the top eight league finish for the Nedbank Cup, former Amakhosi winger Mandla Masango felt the club can’t afford the Soweto Derby.

Kaizer Chiefs and Pirates to clash twice in May

“No, in the derby, there’s no friendly game, they all matter,” he said.

“So, whoever steps on the field on the day of the [league] derby, he needs to give his all, 100%.

“Supporters don’t have the luxury of saying, ‘No, we can win this one or lose that one’. They always want to be high there. They try to encourage players to win at all costs. Sometimes, the results don’t go their way, but both matches are very much important.”

Kaizer Chiefs have lost four times against Pirates

Masango says senior players needed to stand out and guide youngsters. Chiefs have lost their previous four matches against Pirates and go into the two clashes as underdogs.

“This is where the coaches and senior guys come in for the youngsters. They must say to them that ‘we’re playing two big games back-to-back, we need to be 100% focused,’” he said.

“Such games are won on small margins. You don’t get to have an open game where you’ll see a 5-0 scoreline.

“So, the coaches must help the players to remain focused and to perform on the day.”

Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates will face each other in the final for the first time in 11 years. The last time the two teams played each other in the final, Amakhosi won 1-0.