Former AmaZulu striker George Dearnaley believes Orlando Pirates’ loss to Kaizer Chiefs will negatively influence their attitude in the MTN8 final.
Pirates enter final amid defeat in Soweto Derby
AmaZulu legend predicts derby loss will have negative impact
Bucs will be there to make up for last weekend’s disappointment
WHAT HAPPENED? The Pirates were beaten in a fourth consecutive Soweto Derby by the Chiefs last weekend. Fresh from that loss, they enter the MTN8 final against AmaZulu at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday. Dearnaley thinks the derby loss will force the Buccaneers to take a defensive approach to the AmaZulu game and he says it could cost them dearl
It is tactically expected to be a really close game,” Dearnaley told iDiski Times. “With the Pirates losing the derby last week, they could be mentally a bit more defensive, more negative and the attitude and the attitude of not losing the game rather than winning the game. AmaZulu will also be cautious as this is the first Cup final in a long time, and the players may not be used to it, afraid of making a mistake.
“So I think both teams will be almost ‘negative’ and maybe it’s a battle in midfield and a mistake or a moment of genius can separate the teams – a goal like in the derby maybe. But in South African football you never know what will happen, it could be 4-3 but I think it will be close, just one goal or maybe extra time and penalties too.
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OVERVIEW: The Pirates are trying to become the PSL team to win the first major trophy this season. If they pull off that feat, then they hope to use MTN8’s triumph to inspire them in the Premier Soccer League title challenge. On the other hand, AmaZulu would like to end a 30-year wait to lift any piece of silverware.
