Orlando Pirates’ daunting run up to the Soweto derby

The fact that Orlando Pirates are lagging behind in DStv Premiership matches, coupled with their progression to the quarterfinals of the Carling Knockout, means they will have a hectic build-up to next month’s Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs.

The AmaKhosi will have only two games between now and the November 11 clash at FNB Stadium, but Pirates must play five times in the 18 days before they lock horns.

It could certainly change the dynamic of the fixture and is not ideal preparation, but the fact that they have only played five league games so far – while the rest of the division have featured in at least eight – is going to count against them in this period.

Of course, they had matches moved for CAF Champions League participation before their shock exit at the hands of Botswana side Jwaneng Galaxy.

But so did Sekhukhune United for their CAF Confederation Cup run and they have played nine times in the league already, almost double the number of games as Pirates. It was matches moved in the latter’s MTN8 campaign that are now coming back to bite.

It creates a headache for Pirates coach Jose Riveiro ahead of the Derby with fixtures coming thick and fast and little time to implement anything on the training pitch.

He will also be wary of injuries and suspensions that could mount, putting his squad under pressure ahead of what is always their biggest league game of the season.

Pirates are back in action on Tuesday with a catch-up league game at AmaZulu, who defeated Chiefs 1-0 in the Carling Knockout first round on Saturday. It will be no easy task against an organised Usuthu who are starting to find form after a slow start under their Spanish coach Pablo Martin.

Pirates are then due to host in-form Polokwane City on