Why Chiefs and Pirates need Chivaviro.

 

                                           

Ranga Chivaviro bagged a hattrick on wednesday night when Marumo Gallants came from behind to beat Chippa United 3-1 in a relegation battle match played at Peter Mokaba Stadium.

The main protagonist in Marumo's important victory that saw them rise above Chippa in the log standings, Chivaviro, has scored 13 goals in 23 appearances across all competitions for the club this season. Before joining Gallants, Chivaviro played for Venda Football Academy, where he scored two goals in ten matches.

 While Marumo should be pleased to have a goal poacher of note within their ranks, especially considering their relegation battle, the ruthless Chivaviro could also be an answer to Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates' goal scoring troubles.

 The two Soweto giants are on a mission to catch up with runaway Dstv Premiership serial winners in Mamelodi Sundowns. Despite playing some good football and creating an avalanche of good goal scoring opportunities, poor finishing has let Chiefs and Pirates down on many an occasion.

 For an example, Chiefs are not that far behind Sundowns when it comes to creating good goal scoring opportunities. Their average xGF (expected goals for) per match in the league is 1.73 according to FootyStats, while Sundowns average 1.90.

 But the difference between the two sides is turning those valuable opportunities into goals. Chiefs score an average of 1.20 goals per a match in the league, compared to Sundowns' 1.77. 

 To drive this point home, Chiefs takes almost the same number of shots as Sundowns per game, that is 12.24, compared to Downs' 12.58, but it is in converting those shots into goals where Amakhosi are found wanting, with their shot conversion rate at 10%, while Downs stand at 14%.

 It is the same problem for Pirates, who average an xGF of 1.55 per game in the league. Like Chiefs, they score only 1.20 goals per match. While their shots average per match is 11.82, their conversion rate is a disappointing 11%.

 The biggest difference between the two Soweto giants and Sundowns is, while the Brazilians have goal scorers like Peter Shalulile and Cassius Mailula, who convert a high number of chances that come their way; Chiefs have Ashley Du Preez holding the heavy fort, while Bucs have Saleng carrying such a huge ship on his small shoulders.

 The verdict is clear for both Soweto giants, to turn the goal scoring opportunities they create into goals, they need a proven goal scorer, someone who has already shown is abilities in the Dstv Premiership, and that is none other than Chivaviro.

 With the 30-year-old having only joined Marumo in August 2022, Chiefs and Pirates would have to negotiate to snatch him out of his contract, meaning he won't come cheap, but he is definitely worth the trouble.