Pirates got rid of what remained of their Zimbabwean identity when they offloaded striker Takesure Chinyama recently, but Chiefs replaced defender Lincoln Zvasiya, loaned out to Europe, with striker Knowledge Musona – loaned in from German Bundesliga side, TSG1899 Hoffenheim.
Musona, already a cult hero in Naturena, marked his return to the PSL with a goal as Chiefs beat Bloemfontein Celtic 4-1 in the Mangaung Cup, as did ever-green midfielder, Willard Katsande, but the Pirates are not Celtic and the Carling Cup brings new challenges. Chiefs have not won the competition since it was launched two seasons ago, but with Musona back in their fold, they will be hoping to make light work of their Soweto neighbours.
The “Smiling Assassin” did not play in the inaugural edition, despite having had some of the highest number of votes because he was signed by Hoffenheim a few days before the tournament, but was chauffer-driven to the venue – FNB Stadium, in Johannesburg, to watch as his teammates lost out to the Buccaneers before he took the flight to a forgettable two seasons in Germany.
The Saturday encounter at the same venue will therefore, give Musona the first real test of whether he will be able to restore the Amakhosi’s dominance over their city neighbours.
Chiefs have struggled to beat the former PSL champions since Musona left the SA shores, yet they easily demolished them with him still in the gold and black.
Although most of the Amakhosi faithful will be rooting for the striker, should he pass a late fitness test, there will also be a place in their hearts for Katsande, who fought like a gallant soldier as they won their rare double last season.
Then there is midfielder Mathew Rusike and striker Kingstone Nkhatha in the Chiefs line-up, also wanting to use the occasion to make a statement of their own. Defender Jimmy Jambo might not be risked in the game, but should Chiefs win, he will also enjoy the sweet revenge over Pirates.
Chiefs coach, Stuart Baxter, summed up the mood in a recent interview ahead of the game: “There is no friendly between Chiefs and Pirates and we will give it our best to win this tournament and have a good season,” said the Briton.
Post published in: Football
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