Will Kaizer Chiefs beat Orlando Pirates

 In Sunday's Carling Black Label Cup match at Orlando Stadium, Kaizer Chiefs have a couple of advantages that could help them beat Orlando Pirates.

After being beaten 5-0 on aggregate in the MTN8 semi-finals a few months prior, Chiefs' season was looking dismal as they fell 2-1 to Pirates in the league in January.

Due to injuries, the transfer ban, poor form, bad luck, and some self-inflicted pain in the form of glaring errors, Amakhosi struggled throughout the first few months of 2021.

However, much has changed since then, and the Amakhosi devout may now see a glimpse of hope in the distance.

The Kaizer Chiefs are preparing to play at FNB Stadium.

To begin with, they defeated Bucs in a league replay in March, prevailing 1-0 thanks to a Samir Nurkovic goal.

Then, despite being on the danger of relegation, the team produced a late run of solid league results that carried them into the top eight.

Of course, there was the incredible run to the Caf Champions League final, and even if the club fell to Al Ahly in the final, the continental campaign gave the players more confidence, unity, and experience.

The final in Casablanca was barely two weeks ago, and Pirates' most recent play was on June 5, which was also their final domestic league match.

While the Chiefs may face fatigue later in the season as a result of not having had a full break, unlike the Buccaneers, their players should be in match-fit shape.

The positive recent signings will have bolstered morale at Naturena and may inspire players in the starting XI to greater heights as the battle for a starting berth heats up.

Then there's the renewed vigour that comes with a new coach; Arthur Zwane was pivotal in the weeks following Gavin Hunt's departure in May, and Stuart Baxter will be hungry to win the derby on his return to the club.

He understands the momentum and feel-good factor that a win can provide – despite the Chiefs' fantastic performance in the Champions League, there will definitely be a sense of disappointment that needs to be addressed, and a win over Amakhosi's old Soweto rivals will undoubtedly help with that.

It's also worth noting that as a coach, Baxter has a respectable record against the Buccaneers, having lost only once in nine games while winning three and drawing five.