Mandla Masango says Orlando Pirates are not as good as last year

[kickoff]

Posted: 2012-03-16 12:45

Mandla Masango has added his opinion to the mix ahead of the Soweto Derby, saying Orlando Pirates are 'struggling'.

While the Kaizer Chiefs midfielder says he is not underestimate his cross-town rivals, he does feel their current form is far from how they were playing last season, and that, coupled with their current coaching turmoil, only bodes well for Amakhosi on Saturday.

"At the moment I think they [Pirates] are struggling all over the pitch and are not as good as last year, but then again it is a Derby and anything can happen," Masango says.

Regarding Julio Leal's suspension and Augusto Palacios taking over, Masango adds: "It is a 50/50 situation, because Palacios knows the players and he has his own players that he likes, and Leal had his own.

"It is quite tricky, but then again derbies, they are a motivation in themselves. Players want to create names for themselves, so that is why I say it is a 50/50 situation.

"There is a possibility it could be a totally different team, you never know, but one thing is for sure, you have to be on your toes all the time."

Looking ahead to the game, Masango feels Chiefs need to play as unit if they want to win.

"We play as a team