Exclusive: Pirates Must Be Perfect, says Ruben Cloete Ahead of Crucial Soweto Derby

Former Bucs defender Ruben Cloete has backed Orlando Pirates to rise to the occasion in Saturday’s Soweto derby against Kaizer Chiefs, although he expects a tightly contested encounter where small details could prove decisive.

The two rivals are set to lock horns at FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon (15:30 kick-off) in a clash that carries significant weight in the title race. 

It is not often, especially in recent seasons, that both teams approach this fixture with championship ambitions still intact, adding extra intensity to an already fierce rivalry.

Both sides will be eager to respond after recent setbacks. Pirates suffered a shock Nedbank Cup exit to Casric Stars, while Chiefs’ 2-1 defeat to Stellenbosch FC dealt a blow to their league hopes.

Pirates carry the favourites tag

Recent meetings favour the Bucaneers, who have enjoyed the upper hand in this fixture over the past two seasons. However, form often becomes irrelevant in a derby environment, where emotion and execution on the day matter most.

Pirates are currently level on 38 points with defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns, separated only by goal difference, leaving no margin for error in the run-in. 

Chiefs sit eight points behind the leading pair but hold two games in hand in fourth place, and victory on Saturday could significantly revive their challenge.

Cloete believes Pirates’ consistency over the past few seasons has laid a solid foundation for a serious title push.

“Orlando Pirates have been doing well, not only this season but over the past couple of seasons,” Cloete told SportsBoom.co.za.

“They have been winning cups every season and performing extremely well. Their only achilles heel has been securing the league title, because they have done well in the other domestic competitions.”

“It looks promising this season, and hopefully they can get over the line this year. They have come close in the last couple of seasons, finishing in the top three, and hopefully this will be the year they finally clinch it.” 

Experience could still hold the trump card

He acknowledged that Sundowns’ experience could once again play a decisive role in the title race.

“It will not be easy because they are up against a team that has the know-how to get over the line. That is something people do not always understand, the first title is always the most difficult to win.”

“Sundowns have the advantage in that regard, which is why, even in difficult moments, they know how to grind out results."

“However, Pirates have been very impressive in the way they have evolved. When you also consider the average age of the squad, which is very young, there is hope that they can wrap it up this year.”

Drawing from his own derby experience, Cloete emphasised the unpredictable nature of the occasion.

“I have played in a couple of derbies. They are very intense and something you cannot fully explain in words, you have to experience it to understand what it means. It does not matter where the teams are on the log.”

“History shows that it is always an intense game. What makes it even more exciting this year is that both teams are at the top end of the table, which adds to the occasion.”

“I think Pirates will get the three points on the day if their application is right. But be that as it may, it is a derby, and if Chiefs rise to the occasion and Pirates are not at their best, anything is possible.”

“Derby games are decided by fine margins, with very few opportunities, and the team that takes those chances will be victorious at the end of the match.”

With the title race delicately poised, Cloete underlined the importance of consistency in the final stretch.

“The gap is now just goal difference between Pirates and Sundowns, and that in itself makes it even more intense."

"They cannot afford to drop points because I do not see Sundowns dropping many. That will ultimately determine who wins the league and who does not.”

“I really hope they can wrap it up and finally get the monkey off their backs by winning the league title. They have done it in the cups and came close in the Champions League last season," he concluded.