Following Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 victory over Orlando Pirates, Soccer Laduma looks at the five lessons learnt from the Soweto Derby.
Chiefs secured the victory, thanks to a moment of brilliance from midfielder Yusuf Maart, and moved up to fourth on the DStv Premiership standings.
READ: Chiefs Pirates Get Boost In Chase Of Award Winning Defender?
The five lessons
1. Pirates missed Timm
The Buccaneers were without Miguel Timm in the middle of the park, due to suspension, and it was clear that his presence was missed. As a deep lying playmaker in the side, Timm plays an important role of breaking down opposition attacks, but a lot of the play in midfield goes through him and they needed that on Saturday.
2. Ngcobo still has a lot to offer
Chiefs coach Arthur Zwane gave Nkosingiphile Ngcobo a chance to play and, with more game, the player's confidence will grow. Ngcobo had his moments and showed that he can be an important player for Amakhosi if given more opportunities.
3. Chiefs need Blom long-term
There has been a lot of talk about Njabulo Blom's contract at Chiefs and the club should probably be working tirelessly behind the scenes to tie him down to a new deal. Blom was key as he protected the back four and got back to cover at left back whenever Thabiso Monyane got forward for Pirates.
READ: Maart: I Think It Stay In The History
4. Maart should shoot more
After the goal he scored over the weekend, Yusuf Maart showed that he has an ability to shoot from range and it's an area head coach Zwane might encourage him to keep working on to constantly get better at it.
5. Lepasa Erasmus combo might take time
Bucs coach Jose Riveiro started with Zakhele Lepasa and Kermit Erasmus upfront, but the two players did not quite click. A lot of the time Lepasa has been coming on for Erasmus, or vice-versa, but they got a chance to start and it was evident that the combination still needs some time.
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