Maela backs Orlando Pirates to beat Chiefs in Soweto Derby

Former Orlando Pirates captain Innocent Maela believes Saturday’s Soweto Derby will underline the difference between a side competing for the Betway Premiership title and one still trying to establish its rhythm.

Orlando Pirates, the defending champions, are second in the table, one point behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns and with a game in hand. Kaizer Chiefs sit fifth on 14 points.

Neither side has been beaten in the league this season, but Maela feels the standings reflect the current balance between the two clubs and make Pirates the favourites at the weekend.

Maela knows the significance of the fixture, having scored in a Soweto Derby during his time with Orlando Pirates. He also believes the champions’ style and recent performances should give them the advantage.

“I think the Soweto Derby will be interesting. I know people like saying form does not really count, but I think when you look at this game and the two teams and the gap in between, it will be clear that Orlando Pirates are favourites to win the game,” Maela told Soccer Laduma.

“I am backing them to win and I am backing them to score more goals in this game because of their dominance and how they play.”

The former Buccaneer expects the early stages to be shaped by the intensity surrounding the derby, but believes the contest will eventually be decided by the teams’ established habits and patterns.

“It will be a difficult game in the beginning because of the motivation and hype, but as the game progresses, habits will kick in and patterns will kick in,” he said.

“The log does not lie, we will see why one team is competing for the league and the other team is still finding their feet. Pirates will win that game.”

Both clubs will enter the derby with renewed confidence after recording 3-0 victories in the Carling Knockout Cup on the previous night.

Those wins mean both teams have momentum going into the weekend fixture, although Maela expects Orlando Pirates to convert their stronger league position and current form into victory.

The result could provide a significant boost to either side. A Pirates win would strengthen their pursuit of Mamelodi Sundowns at the top of the Betway Premiership, while success for Amakhosi would offer an opportunity to challenge the perception that they are still searching for consistency.