Chiefs head into Sunday's Betway Premiership clash at FNB Stadium under pressure, having lost their last five league meetings against their bitter rivals. The most recent encounter ended in a convincing 3-0 victory for Pirates, a result Khanye feels continues to weigh heavily on Amakhosi.

Speaking on iDiski TV, Khanye suggested that Chiefs' approach this time will be shaped more by caution than ambition, as they attempt to avoid another heavy defeat.

"The difference now is that they understand the strength of this Pirates team," Khanye explained. "Before that first-round match, they hadn't faced a side like this. Now, there's a level of respect."

Rather than engaging in an open contest, Khanye expects Chiefs to prioritise structure and defensive solidity, even if it means sacrificing attacking intent.

"I don't see them going all out. They could bring in three centre-backs and crowd the midfield. At this stage, even a draw would be a positive result for them," he said.

Beyond tactics, Khanye highlighted what he believes is a deeper issue - Chiefs' mental fragility in recent derbies. According to him, Pirates' dominance has created a psychological edge that continues to influence performances.

"There's a mental aspect to it now. Chiefs players tend to freeze in these games," he noted. "Pirates have built confidence, and that shows when they meet."

He added that Chiefs may resort to man-marking key threats, particularly rising star Relebohile Mofokeng, while players such as Siphesihle Ndlovu and Sibongiseni Mthethwa could be tasked with reinforcing midfield stability.

Despite his concerns, Khanye pointed to set-pieces as a potential avenue for Chiefs to trouble their rivals, citing the aerial presence of Christian Saile and Godly Lilepo as a possible game-changer.

However, he expressed doubts about whether some of Chiefs' younger attackers, including Mduduzi Shabalala and Wandile Duba, will be able to impose themselves in such a high-pressure fixture.

With Pirates riding a wave of confidence and Chiefs searching for answers, Sunday's derby may hinge as much on mentality as it does on tactics.

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