Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates could prove the biggest cliche

Conventional wisdom suggests that defences win you titles. Whose defensive unit is better, Kaizer Chiefs’ or Orlando Pirates’?

Defences win you titles

Pirates are currently on a run of 18 clean sheets from their last 25 matches across all competitions, conceding only once in their last nine outings. They also enjoyed a string of eight consecutive shutouts between August and October last year. At the other end of the pitch, superstar attacker Relebohile Mofokeng is proving his match-winning credentials with goals in each of his last three appearances.

Kaizer Chiefs have entered the chat

Before a somewhat surprising Nedbank Cup Round of 32 exit to Stellenbosch, the Glamour Boys hadn’t conceded since November 29th against Zamalek. They now sit eight points adrift of league leaders Orlando Pirates, but with a game in hand. There might be a genuine fight for the title this season, something we haven’t been able to say for quite some time. Chiefs have conceded only six goals in 15 league outings, the second-best record in the division. Pirates have conceded five. It’s an eye-catching February schedule for Amakhosi, which could make or break their title aspirations. Below is what’s to come, including hat mouthwatering Soweto Derby clash:

• Wed 18 Feb: Siwelele vs Chiefs (19:30)
• Tue 24 Feb: Chiefs vs Stellenbosch (19:30)
• Sat 28 Feb: Chiefs vs Orlando Pirates (FNB Stadium, 15:30)