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DErby fails to deliver goods

20100221VNH. Mandla Masango of Kaizer Chiefs fight for the ball with Lucas Thwala and Lucky Lekgwathi of Orlando Pirates during their Absa Premiership match at Orlando Stadium.PHOTO:VELI NHLAPO
20100221VNH. Mandla Masango of Kaizer Chiefs fight for the ball with Lucas Thwala and Lucky Lekgwathi of Orlando Pirates during their Absa Premiership match at Orlando Stadium.PHOTO:VELI NHLAPO

THE Soweto derby once again failed to live up to expectations when Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs played to a goalless draw, yet Pirates coach Rudi Krol amazingly thought it was an exciting clash.

The sprawling township was once again abuzz with excitement in anticipation of what should have been a football spectacle, but just like in October last year the two sets of supporters were left disappointed after yet another dull draw.

"I though it was an exciting game. We saw two teams that wanted to win but unfortunately we could not score," Krol said.

The Dutch mentor said South African strikers' failure to convert chances was deep-rooted.

"We created a lot of chances but could not score. Players at 28 years old make mistakes but I cannot change them. It is not only an Orlando Pirates problem, but a South African problem in general. It is difficult to find quality in South Africa," he said.

His opposite number at Chiefs, Vladimir Vermezovic, who had promised the fans "exciting football" during the week, heaped praises on the two goalkeepers, Moeneeb Josephs of Bucs and Itumeleng Khune of Chiefs, who were called on to make some stupendous saves.

"It was a tough game. We came here for three points but unfortunately it wasn't to be. Sometimes you need luck, especially against a team like Pirates. It was not easy to score against two Bafana Bafana goalkeepers," Vermezovic said.

Josephs did well to deny Abia Nale in the second minute and Knowledge Musona towards the end of the contest. Khune produced an acrobatic save to deny Lucas Thwala.

But the supporters left the stadium disappointed.

Saturday's stalemate ended Chiefs' aspirations of qualifying for the African Champions League.

Even if they win their remaining two matches against Mpumalanga Black Aces and Free State Stars, it will still not be enough to overtake second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns.

The top two teams qualify for the lucrative Champions League. Amakhosi are third on the log with 45 points, while Downs are second with 53, four points behind leaders SuperSport United.

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