25 July 2019, by: Leonard Solms

ORLANDO PIRATES TO EDGE KAIZER CHIEFS IN BLACK LABEL CUP

Kaizer Chiefs can claim a third successive Carling Black Label Cup crown by beating Orlando Pirates at FNB Stadium on 27 July. The irony is, however, that their victory last time out in 2017 actually ended up suiting the Buccaneers more than it did the Glamour Boys.

Amakhosi’s 1-0 win thanks to Bernard Parker’s early goal proved the final nail in the coffin of coach Kjell Jonevret. The rest is history as Milutin Sredojević returned to steady the Buccaneers’ ship and guide them back into the CAF Champions League.

Pirates headed into the last Black Label Cup clash off the back of an 11th place Absa Premiership finish. This time, however, it is Chiefs who come into the game having failed to finish in the top half last term. Micho’s men should have too much quality for Amakhosi despite some notable absentees.

In fact, it is not quite correct to call Pirates “Micho’s men” for the moment, as they will be under the guidance of Champion Coach Kagisho Moleme for this match. Chiefs, meanwhile, will be led by Tsietsi Benny Majoro.

The two super fans were selected to join the Chiefs and Pirates technical teams for the big event and unveiled on SABC 1’s Soccer Zone.

New signing Lazarous Kambole will start for Amakhosi upfront and could add a cutting edge to a team which has so often lacked that in recent years.

Orlando Pirates fans have opted for tried and trusted methods with the likes of Justin Shonga, Augustine Mulenga and Thembinkosi Lorch performing notably well in the votes.

High-profile acquisitions such as Fortune Makaringe and Siphesihle Ndlovu surprisingly missed the cut for the Buccaneers. Pirates will be none the better for their absence, but at least this means the players on the park will be familiar with each other.

Brilliant Khuzwayo and Itumeleng Khune have been ruled out of the clash, meaning that Bruce Bvuma and Wayne Sandilands will start in goal.

Bruce Bvuma, Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Daniel Cardoso, Mulomowandau Mathoho, Lorenzo Gordinho, George Maluleka, Siphelele Ntshangase, Dumisani Zuma, Khama Billiat, Bernard Parker, Lazarous Kambole.

Read Kaizer Chiefs Possible formation and tactic here:

Wayne Sandilands, Mthokozisi Dube, Happy Jele, Justice Chabalala, Innocent Maela, Thembinkosi Lorch, Vincent Pule, Ben Motshwari, Luvuyo Memela, Augustine Mulenga, Justin Shonga.

Read Orlando Pirates possible formation and tactics here:

I expect this one to be a closely fought match with goals at both ends, but I see the Buccaneers taking the honours in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw. Ezikamagebhula seem to have a psychological edge over Chiefs at the moment, and with or without their new signings, they are simply a better team.

MORE SOCCER

Leonard Solms

Leonard Solms is a sports journalist who features regularly on various local and international platforms including ESPN, New Frame, FARPost, Tagged Online and Careers Magazine, as well as this one. He enjoys the occasional bet and the most important tip he can give you is to bet within your means.