The fourth-placed Kaizer Chiefs, known as Amakhosi, play hosts to Orlando Pirates (second position), fondly known as the Buccaaneers, on Saturday, 28 February at the FNB Stadium at 15:30.
The home side, co-coached by Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaize, are on a mission to shake off Tuesday’s shock 2-1 loss to Stellenbosch FC at the same stadium.
KAIZER CHIEFS VS ORLANDO PIRATES
The visiting Sea Robbers also target a response after a surprising loss to lower division side Casric Stars in the Nedbank Cup last 16 on penalties.
Saturday’s Soweto Derby will be about pride and bragging as much three points towards winning the Betway Premiership in May.
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FIVE THINGS TO EXPECT
- New experience for both coaches
Kaizer Chiefs’ co-coaches Youssef and Kaze have experienced pretty much everything in Mzansi, but sitting on the bench during the Soweto Derby.
The same is true for Orlando Pirates’ Abdeslam Ouaddou. Tactical plans and composure on the bench could be decisive in what will be unbelievable noise levels and emotions.
- Relebohile Mofokeng response
The 21-year-old superstar regained his unplayable form after AFCON with three goals and two assists before failing to show up in the 2-1 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns. His performance against Kaizer Chiefs could determine whether he can deliver in big games or not.
- Flavio Da Silva
The 29-year-old from Guinea-Bissau has been Amakhosi’s difference-maker this season, with seven goals and 19 outings. Scoring once more against Orlando Pirates on Saturday will matter more than other matches.
- Team spirit revival after Cup disappointments
Both Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates have confidence to restore. Amakhosi crashed out of the Nedbank Cup and the CAF Confederation Cup, while the Buccaneers fell to Casric Stars in the former tournament.
- Goalkeeper’s battle
This season has seen both keepers, Sipho Chaine of Orlando Pirates, and Kaizer Chiefs’ Brandon Petersen play some of the best football of their careers.
Chaine has kept 12 clean sheets from 17 games, while Petersen has collected 11 out of 16 matches.
Peterson should expect plenty of questions as Pirates are the second-highest scoring side in the league with 26 goals in 17. Chaine has few reasons to lack confidence: Kaizer Chiefs have just 16 goals in 16 games.
DO YOU EXPECT KAIZER CHIEFS OR ORLANDO PIRATES TO WIN THE GAME?
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