Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs are set for a crunch Soweto Derby fixture on Saturday at the FNB Stadium.
The two teams are meeting for the first time, this season, in the Premier Soccer League assignment.
While the Buccaneers have been tipped to go all the way and challenge Mamelodi Sundowns for the title, the Glamour Boys are chasing the top positions to stand a chance of playing in the Caf Competitions next season.
Recent Form
The Sea Robbers have been doing quite well across all competitions in the ongoing 2024/25 season. They have lost just two out of the 11 league games played which puts them second on the table with 27 points, three less than leaders Sundowns who had played a match more.
Bucs have already sealed their place in the Caf Champions League quarter-final and last weekend, they grabbed their Nedbank Cup Round of 16 ticket after beating Richards Bay 3-1.
The Glamour Boys have won six, drawn three and lost five of the 14 Premier Soccer League games they have played. Currently, they are placed fifth on the table with 21 points. The highest that Chiefs can go, if they win, is fourth.
Chiefs' last league game was against Sekhukhune United where they laboured to a 1-0 win, before beating Free Agents 4-0 to advance to the Nedbank Cup's Round of 16.
Head-to-Head Record
Orlando Pirates have won all the last three Soweto Derby games, across all competitions, against Amakhosi.
However, in the last five Premier Soccer League engagements, Amakhosi have three wins and two losses. The defeats came last season – home and away.
What They Said
Jose Riveiro anticipates a tough outing from Chiefs who, he says, have been doing well this season.
“I think Chiefs are playing really well this season, I don’t think that the log is a reflection of Chiefs performances in the league so far, I am honest.
“They are creating a lot of chances in each and every game, they are playing attractive football, that’s the same we are trying to do in Pirates,” he stated.
Nasreddien Nabi believes his team has a fair chance of securing the bragging rights, “Yes, why not? It is okay for me Pirates are favourites, I believe where Orlando Pirates are in terms of their process, they started a few years ago under the current technical team. They are right now where they have been building and enjoying a very nice view of a beautiful house that you have built on the ocean.
“But the history of the derby in every part of the world has shown that there is no real favourite. Maybe favourite on paper, but when it comes to the field, we believe the chances are going to be 50/50.
“We just hope that it is going to be a good game of football and the one that will be good on the day, concentrated on what to do, will carry the day and we hope it will be us.”
Team News and Starting XI
Nkosinathi Sibisi is set to return to the starting XI after missing the initial engagement owing to suspension. However, the game comes too soon for Olisa Ndah and Goodman Mosele who have recently returned to training.
It is also interesting to see whether Monnapule Saleng will be restored to the starting team.
Kaizer Chiefs signed Thabo Cele, Glody Lilepo and Tashreeq Morris; however, Cele is the only one who might make his debut. Morris is suspended and Lilepo has not received his working permit.
Wandile Duba and Ashley Du Preez are out injured while there are fitness concerns on Njabulo Blom and Rushwin Dortley.
Predicting Pirates XI: Chaine, Van Rooyen, Hotto, Sibisi, Sesane, Makhaula, Mbatha, Maswanganyi, Mofokeng, Nkota, Mabasa
Predicting Chiefs XI: Bvuma, Frosler, Cross, Ditlhokwe, Miguel, Mthethwa, Cele, Shabalala, Sirino, Pule, Chivaviro.
Where to Watch
The game will be live on SuperSport Premier Soccer League's channel 202 from 15.00h SAT.
