Innocent Maela knows that while the Orlando Pirates are enjoying good form and scoring points, things could change on Saturday.
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The Pirates visit the Kaizer Chiefs for the famous Soweto derby in the DStv premier league at FNB Stadium.
Maela says that today their uniform will mean nothing. The Chiefs have had a stop-start streak lately and the Pirates are favorites to win the derby.
“Recently we have enjoyed good form. It’s not a secret. But the preparation for this match is the same,” Maela said on Thursday.
“Our mindset is the same. We have a game plan that we practiced during preparation.
“Now we have to make sure we do it the best we can on match day.
“So, yes, we had good form, but we know that the form does not play on Saturday,” the captain of the Pirates explained.
This season, the Pirates have proven their flexibility in formation and tactics. And Maela says it all depends on what the game requires.
“It’s true that we have our own tactical strategies that we use in every game. We use different tactics for different games and as a player you have to adapt.
Every game has different requirements.
“Gone are the days when a player only played in one position. These days it all comes down to your positional awareness,” Maela explained.
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“It’s all about being responsible for a particular role when you’re on the pitch.
“I really enjoyed playing back four because I can play left back again.
“But in the previous match, I again played as a centre-back, because, as I said, every match requires a different tactic.
“And whatever the coach puts forward, we trust the process and we go out there and do our best.”
The Chiefs came into play after a serious loss to the Golden Arrows who came from behind twice and beat them 3-2.
Their captain, Keegan Dolly, said they knew they had to turn the tide and that he hoped it would happen against the Pirates on Saturday.
The Pirates edged out Maritzburg United by beating them 2-1. A win over the Chiefs would help the Pirates move into second place.