Former South Africa U20 international Junior Khanye didn’t hold back after Kaizer Chiefs suffered a 2-1 defeat to arch-rivals Orlando Pirates on Saturday at FNB Stadium. Despite Amakhosi grabbing an early lead through Makabi Lilepo, they were eventually overpowered by goals from Evidence Makgopa and Relebohile Mofokeng, as Pirates completed a league double over their Soweto rivals.
Khanye, speaking on iDiski TV, was far from impressed with what he saw from Chiefs. He argued that the scoreline flattered them—and that the team was lucky to escape with just a one-goal margin.
“Pirates could’ve easily scored four or five,” Khanye said. “Chiefs were exposed, especially in the second half. Mohau Nkota missed clear chances. He should’ve had at least two goals on his own.”
He also pointed out the mental state of Pirates coming into the match. “Psychologically, they were vulnerable—knocked out of the CAF Champions League and coming off a midweek loss. But credit to coach Jose Riveiro. He didn’t panic and got it right.”
Khanye didn’t stop there—he also believed Chiefs should have been reduced to ten men. “They were hanging on. One-on-ones, they were being opened up. A red card wouldn’t have surprised me.”
As the dust settles on this league defeat, Chiefs must now regroup quickly—they face Pirates once again in the Nedbank Cup final next weekend.
