Former Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates coaches Ted Dumitru and Augusto Palacios are divided on the impact Benni McCarthy could have for the Bucs in the Soweto derby on Saturday.

As the buildup for the country’s premier derby continues, Dumitru and Palacios – who are two of only three coaches to have managed both clubs – spoke about which of the two soccer giants will walk away with the honours in the potentially explosive encounter.

The “Professor”, as Dumitru is known, believes that the 35-year-old veteran striker is not yet ready to play in a game of this magnitude after coming back from a thigh injury.

“Benni is coming back from injury and while his big match temperament is an asset for the visitors, I don’t believe he is ready to lead the Bucs attack in such a crucial game. He is also short tempered when not 100% fit and that will allow Chiefs to frustrate him. He will react and a red card will likely follow,” Dumitru said.

But “Njenje” begs to differ, saying that the Bafana Bafana all-time leading goalscorer can offer much in his team’s attempt to beat Chiefs.

“It is true that Benni has not reached his peak, but if the coach feels he is ready to play against Chiefs, let him use him.

“His influence goes beyond just scoring goals. He offers so much in terms of motivating the players around him. That would be key for Pirates,” Palacios said.

This is also a game that offers more than just the three points at stake, since the results could be decisive for the title race.

The two coaches agreed that it would be in the midfield where the much anticipated match would be won and lost, with tussles between Reneilwe Letsholonyane and Andile Jali expected to be a big feature in the proceedings.

Over the years, the derby has shown that form is meaningless and that character and the ability to rise to the occasion wins this particular match.

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