The Nedbank Cup semifinal between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates on Saturday will provide plenty of ‘battles within a battle’ with key flashpoints across the pitch in the mouth-watering Soweto Derby.
It is a time for the big players on either side to step up and show their quality and experience. We pick three key clashes that could be pivotal on the day.
SIYABONGA NGEZANA VS MONNAPULE SALENG
Ngezana seems to be back in favour at Chiefs after a spell out of the side, and comes up against one of the form men in the domestic game in Saleng. Ngezana has been prone to high-profile errors in the past and will have to be on his game against tricky Saleng, who is the perfect man to exploit any slip-ups with his pace and game intelligence. The Pirates man also has the skill to cause Ngezana endless problems if he can get goal-side of the big defender. Having said that, the Chiefs man is usually good with his positioning and will have the muscle to subdue the winger.
YUSUF MAART VS MIGUEL TIMM
A battle of the midfield giants who are tasked with being a defensive shield for their back four. It is unlikely there will be too many one-on-one duels between the two given their position on the field, but the battle could be more about who can out-perform the other in their roles. If either has a top game it will be very difficult for the opposition to get a foothold in the match. At their best they are tenacious in the tackle, neat and tidy on the ball and able to get there team on the counter-attack quickly. And Maart has shown he can score from 60-yards …
CHRISTIAN SAILE VS INNOCENT MAELA
Chiefs have pace in the side with Ashley du Preez, but also DR Congo forward Christian Saile, who arrived at the club from Zambia in January. He has proved a hit and been both a creator and scorer of goals for the AmaKhosi, including in the Nedbank Cup. He comes up against the Pirates skipper in Maela, who is now vastly experienced and will be well aware of the challenge posed by his opponent. It promises to be a fierce battle as it was when the sides met in the league in February.
SOURCED FROM THE NEDBANK CUP WEBSITE.
