Soweto Derby: How will Chiefs line-up with new signings?

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Soweto Derby: How will Chiefs line-up with new signings?
Image - Kaizer Chiefs

Kaizer Chiefs are set to play Orlando Pirates on Saturday in the Soweto Derby that will be staged at the FNB Stadium on Saturday.

While the Glamour Boys have not been doing well, especially in the Premier Soccer League, their old rivals Bucs believe they can stop Mamelodi Sundowns from winning another title.

Amakhosi signed Tashreeq Morris, Glody Lilepo and Thabo Cele in the winter transfer window. Have a look at how coach Nasreddine Nabi might line-up against the Sea Robbers.

Goalkeeper: Bruce Bvuma

Bruce Bvuma Kaizer Chiefs
Image – Kaizer Chiefs

The 29-year-old has won the heart of Nasreddine Nabi owing to Fiacre Ntwari's inconsistencies.

The custodian should keep his place against the Buccaneers.

Right-back: Reeve Frosler

When fit, Frosler is undoubtedly the team's first choice right back. Nabi has at times given Njabulo Blom a chance, but that changes nothing.

Left-back: Bradley Cross

Since joining Amakhosi from Golden Arrows, Cross has been commanding a starting berth at the club.

Though shaky at times, the left-back is expected to keep his place on Saturday.

Center-back: Inacio Miguel

Maart's throne challenged after Miguel captained Chiefs in CUFA Cup?
Inacio Miguel – Picture by Kaizer Chiefs

The Angola international has seemingly settled after a shaky start that saw him get suspended twice.

He remains the club's best defender by far and will be relied on once again this weekend.

Center-back: Thatayaone Ditlhokwe 

First-choice Rushwin Dortley is not fully fit owing to an injury, which gave Ditlhokwe another opportunity.

The Botswana international might partner Miguel on Saturday.

Central Midfielder: Sibongisemi Mthethwa

Sibongiseni Mthethwa Kaizer Chiefs
Image – Kaizer Chiefs

Started the season as a surplus to requirement after Chiefs failed to sell him. He has since re-established himself as a key player for Nabi.

His main job will be to guard the defenders and maintain the shape in midfield.

Central Midfielder: Thabo cele

Cele has been showing in training why the Glamour Boys went for him. Good on and off the ball.

It will be tough for captain Yusuf Maart to keep him out of the starting XI.

Attacking Midfielder: Mduduzi Shabalala

The 20-year-old has been influential for the Soweto giants this season. He has four goals and two assists after the 15 games played across all competitions.

Left Wing: Gaston Sirino

Gaston Sirino Kaizer Chiefs

The versatile midfielder is expected to start on his favourite left wing after getting back to full fitness. 

This is a massive game for the former Mamelodi Sundowns player to show his quality.

Right Wing: Pule Mmodi

The 31-year-old winger scored a brace as Chiefs beat Free Agents 4-0 last weekend in the Nedbank Cup Round of 32. 

With Wandile Duba injured alongside Ashley du Preez, Glody Lilepo could have started the game but he has not secured his working permit, giving Mmodi a chance.

Forward: Ranga Chivaviro

Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Mokete Tsotetsi has offered advice to striker Ranga Chivaviro, who faced criticism from fans for missing scoring chances in the recent Carling Knockout Cup match against SuperSport United. Chivaviro struggled in the first half, leading to calls for his substitution. However, he redeemed himself by scoring a goal in the second half and responding to the boos with a gesture indicating that fans talk too much. Tsotetsi believes that focusing on criticism and public opinion can hinder Chivaviro's performance, as he has shown he can become a consistent scorer for the team. The former defender urged Chivaviro to focus on improving himself to regain the support of Chiefs fans. TSOTETSI TELLS CHIVAVIRO TO REFRAIN FROM RESPONDING TO CRITICISM  "I saw the game and he missed so many and he was in the right positions at the right time,” said Tsotetsi. “But the good thing is, as a striker, is that he is always there (in the good positions). My advice to him is to focus on his game and focus on bettering himself.  “He has been scoring lately and he is working hard and the technical team is happy with what he is given them. "For him to want to answer the supporters is not worth it because he needs to focus on his game and make sure that he improves.  “I saw the supporters booing him, but it's important to focus on his game. Look at the goal he scored. It was a marvelous goal.  “He must continue working hard and see where he can improve. He is someone who can score goals and he needs to be mentally strong.  “He should not let supporters play with his mind or else he will end up losing concentration and lose confidence in himself."
Ranga Chivaviro – Picture by Instagram/@chivaviro_ranga_10

Tashreeq Morris is still serving his suspension and with the injuries in the team, Chivaviro remains the only fit player.

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

Author

Willis Sob is an experienced journalist who has been in the game since 2009, covering major assignments around the continent.
His hunger for African football is unmatched, always getting the best angles and facts to feed the fans and quench their thirst.

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