Khanye and Vilakazi back Golden Arrows and Pirates in Betway Premiership predictions

iDiski TV analysts Junior Khanye and Benedict ‘Tso’ Vilakazi have predicted victories for Lamontville Golden Arrows and Orlando Pirates in today’s Betway Premiership fixtures.

Kaizer Chiefs travel to Mbombela to face Golden Arrows seeking their first win in four matches. Amakhosi remain unbeaten in the league this season, but three successive draws have left them fourth in the table on 12 points. Golden Arrows are seventh, five points behind Chiefs.

Khanye, who previously played for Chiefs, expects the hosts to claim the points. He said Arrows had a strong squad and an impressive coach, while Chiefs had yet to convince him.

“Golden Arrows have got exciting players,” Khanye said on iDiski TV.

“I’m surprised that [Nhlanhla] Zwane has never been called up to the national team, even [Nhlanhla] Gasa as well. They also got [Junior] Dion, a very strong and dangerous man.”

Khanye said Chiefs’ performance against Polokwane City had not changed his view of the team.

“Kaizer Chiefs, watching them against Polokwane City I’m still not convinced,” he said. “It was difficult to judge a coach when I didn’t know him, it would have seemed like I was fighting him.

“But when I watched the guy, he’s always approaching the game defensively with five players at the back. He doesn’t have more attacking numbers upfront and his team changes week in week out.

“It’s going to be difficult and obviously Golden Arrows will win it, I won’t say the score.”

Vilakazi also predicted a narrow victory for Abafana bes’thende, although he acknowledged the challenge posed by Chiefs’ tactical approach.

“It’s going to be a tough one because I can see how Chiefs are doing their transition and trying to confuse certain teams in terms of the formation that they are playing,” said Tso.

“But Arrows with the type of football that they are playing it’s going to be very tight. I think if Arrows do the right things, especially how they played the game against Sundowns, I think Arrows will win the game 1-0.”

Pirates expected to beat Gallants

The analysts were less optimistic about Marumo Gallants’ chances against Orlando Pirates at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium. Gallants are still without a win this season, and neither pundit expects a surprise result.

Khanye questioned Pirates’ performances despite their victories but backed the defending champions to win 2-0.

“I don’t think anything can happen there,” said the former Chiefs winger.

“But Pirates when they win, they are not winning convincingly because of the three new midfielders they have. Like we always say a car needs an engine, these midfielders don’t dominate games. I see [Sipho] Chaine making mistakes passing these players.

“Marumo Gallants have appointed a new coach but I’m not too sure about their team, their body language when they play, I want to know if they are getting paid. Pirates will win this game probably 2-0.”

Vilakazi said the appointment of a new coach would not, by itself, resolve Gallants’ wider problems.

“I sometimes say there’s a problem, solve the problem don’t solve the personnel because the problem is still there,” he said.

“I believe there’s a lot of work to be done in that team I think coach Ronnie Kananelo is still going to face the same problems. A goal is going to be difficult for them Pirates will win 2-0.”