Pressure is on Chiefs ahead of derby – Zinnbauer

Orlando Pirates coach Josef Zinnbauer says all the pressure will be on Kaizer Chiefs in this month’s Soweto Derby as his side close in on an unlikely title challenge.

When Zinnbauer took over The Buccaneers in December, his side were 17 points behind Chiefs, but a run of 22 points from a possible 24 has seen them surge up the table and within six of the AmaKhosi, though they have played a game more.

Still, another victory in the Soweto Derby on 29 February and Pirates will cut that gap further, and also allow the likes of Mamelodi Sundowns to claw back some ground in the title chase.

The latest win came in a 1-0 success at Black leopards on Sunday as Vincent Pule scored a fortuitous goal in injury-time to win the game.

"We look always to the next game and then we have a big game for the supporters, we have nothing to lose on this game,” Zinnbauer said. “Kaizer Chiefs is under pressure now and we have fun, we're very glad for the next game, the big game for the supporters and us.”

Zinnbauer admitted his side found it difficult to break down Leopards and only a wonder-save from goalkeeper Wayne Sandilands prevented them from falling behind.

"First-half was very difficult for us, the opponent played very strong and they had the good solution, the set-pieces, they counter-attacked [but] we have [Wayne] Sandilands, this was our luck today yes.

"The second half, the first five minutes was not so good, we needed a little time to come in the game and from minute to minute we come more and more in the game and then we have the control, the lead of the game.”

Pirates are next in action against Chiefs, while the AmaKhosi have a Nedbank Cup Last 16 clash with Highlands park to contend with first on Saturday.