Tactical Preview: Chippa United vs Orlando Pirates

Pirates travel to Chippa knowing that a fifth straight PSL win is in the offing and that victory would push Zinnbauer’s men in second place on the log.

Norman Mapeza’s side is full of both on-loan and former Pirates players with a big point to prove in this game, but the club’s position just five points above the relegation zone is of greater concern in this match. Pirates, meanwhile, have had outstanding results under their new German coach although they have struggled to play well for an entire game so far, usually only excelling in one half of each match.

Chippa’s set up

Since Norman Mapeza took over, Chippa have been far more resolute defensively than before. Though he picks an attacking setup with five attacking players on the pitch, the defensive organisation is impressive.

One of the major things he has done to turn around the club’s fortunes was to give several squad players a chance to feature regularly in the first XI. In goal, he ditched big-name veteran, Patrick Tignyemb and brought in Veli Mothwa. He immediately solidified that position with five consecutive clean sheets.

In defence, Gerald Modisane, a strong man marker, has become a pivotal player in the backline. Elvis Moyo’s injury at left back has seen Tercious Malepe move from midfield and look very comfortable in a different role.

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Further forward, Xolani Maholo, who was barely used by previous coaches, has moved into a defensive midfield position and is providing a very solid base to free up the attacking players to get forward.

In wide areas, William Twala has been playing some of his best football in years, and Mapeza has been using two number tens in on-loan Pirates man, Meshack Maphangule and former Bucs wide man, Thabo Rakhale, who was looked really impressive in a more central role.

Up front, Lerato Manzini and Rhulani Manzini were released and a real chance has been given to Nigerian younger, Augustine Chidi Kwem. His mobility up front has given the side a better focal point.

However, one issue is the complete lack of depth in the ranks. Beyond the starting XI, there is very little to change the game on the bench and Mapeza has often has to leave the same team on the field for close to the full 90 minutes. In many games, the side has been desperate for fresh legs in attacking areas and has seen their performances peter out.

Pirates intensity

Perhaps the biggest change since Josef Zinnbauer replaced interim head coach, Rhulani Mokwena is the greater intensity in the side’s play. That could be down to the German’s high octane philosophy but also due to greater training ground input from Fadlu Davids, a coach who produced one of the most high-intensity sides in recent years at Maritzburg United.

However, getting this playing style to be in effect for the full 90 minutes has been a problem. In many games, Bucs blew the opposition away in the first half but then dropped off in the second period. Against AmaZulu last time out, the role was reversed and a disappointing first half was replaced with a highly impressive performance after the break.

Zinnbauer has Abel Mabaso and Ntsikelelo Nyauza back from suspension and both should start, whilst Innocent Maela is a doubt at left back and that could mean another opportunity for Bongani Sam.

Summary

The big tactical question in this game is whether Chippa can live with Pirates’ intensity in their attacking play and whether they can get enough space to hurt their in-form opponents. Mapeza’s best chance in this game is probably to keep the game tight and then make defensive substitutions in the second half to hold onto any result.

Predicted line-ups

Chippa United (4-1-4-1): Mothwa; Damons, Modisane, K. Moyo, Malepe; Maholo; Maziya, Maphangule, Rakhale, Twala; Kwem.

Orlando Pirates (4-2-3-1): Sandilands; Mabaso, Nyauza, Jele, Sam; Makaringe, Motshwari; Lorch, Memela, Pule; Mhango.