Chiefs ready for derby
Kaizer Chiefs will not be lulled into a false sense of security when they meet arch rivals Orlando Pirates in their Vodacom Challenge clash at Port Elizabeth's ERPU Stadium on Thursday night. Kick-off is at 8.10pm.
Pirates fielded a reserve team in their Challenge clash against English and European champions Manchester United at Durban's Kings Park Stadium on Tuesday night and were beaten 1-0 in a lacklustre match that rarely got out of first gear.
The best match of the tournament so far was the opening game between United and Amakhosi which ended 1-1 at Newlands, Cape Town last Saturday. Both outfits fielded almost full strength sides and as a result the capacity crowd got their money's worth.
Pirates new coach Rudi Krol likes to play his cards close to his chest. He did concede he would make a lot of changes for tonight's match. It will be his first real test since the former Dutch international took over in June.
Performance
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who loves playing mind games with his opposing managers in the English Premiership, got into the swing of things when he said he thought Pirates' performance was a "shade better than Chiefs". Krol muttered he needed to give all his players a chance in the Challenge. He said: "There will be changes against Chiefs. I had to use my players carefully as I have had to field two sides in the space of three days against top quality opposition. We are determined to beat Chiefs and get a second bite at the cherry against United."
Had United gone at even half pace against the no name Buccaneers, they would have thumped the inexperienced side that Krol decided to field.
But Ertugral is too clever and knowledgeable a coach to get involved in Bucs coach's tactics.
Said Ertugral: "I watched the game between Pirates and United. When we play Pirates they will field a totally new side and it will be a whole new ball game.
"I will not make a lot of changes as I want to keep the momentum from last Saturday going strong." - Sapa