Chiefs can strategically outsmart Pirates to win Durban title decider

WITH a blend of tactical nous and spirited execution, Kaizer Chiefs have a chance to reshape their Soweto derby narrative this weekend by turning the tide in this storied rivalry.

- HERMAN GIBBS

Beyond the usual bragging rights accompanying this high-stakes match, Saturday's Nedbank Cup final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban (3.30pm kick-off) brings an additional layer of urgency.

The Nedbank Cup championship is on the line, and a golden opportunity for the Amakhosi to claim that elusive silverware for the first time in a decade.

It will be an uphill battle to clinch a victory, but certain strategies will be pivotal to propel Chiefs to a win over their age-old rivals, Orlando Pirates...

1 Set-pieces, the Achilles' heel of Pirates

This season, Premiership teams have been carefully analysing their opponents, looking for signs of vulnerability that can be exploited.

For those facing Pirates, one notable weak spot has emerged: set-piece situations.

Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi will do well to deploy taller players like Tashreeq Morris (1.83m) or Ranga Chivaviro (1.80m) to assert aerial dominance for the close-in free-kicks.

They can capitalise on these vulnerabilities by winning headers and creating chaos in the box, and could prove decisive.