Mabena backs Pirates strikers to keep scoring despite Chickelday departure

“[He worked on] set pieces and the finishing. Look at Kermit Erasmus’ first goal in the league [in a 4-1 win against Stellenbosch FC in January] — it’s because of those drills.

“Now he is gone we are still scoring, so we have learnt a lot from him.”

Mabena said Pirates are blessed with one of the best attacking units in the premiership.

“We have a lot of quality upfront and anyone can play there — it doesn’t matter who is injured or available.

“Whoever gets a chance to play can score. Terrence Dzvukamanja has started scoring. Souaibou Marou will get his chance too after he only got a few minutes [against Maritzburg United].”

With the league all but wrapped up by Mamelodi Sundowns at the two-thirds stage of the campaign, third-placed Pirates are vying for second place to qualify for the Caf Champions League.

A winning result in Saturday's derby could be crucial to Bucs and fifth-placed Chiefs in that endeavour.