Orlando Pirates have had an edge on Kaizer Chiefs for two consecutive seasons, winning five of their last Soweto Derby games.
Amakhosi however turned the corner by beating the Buccaneers in the Nedbank Cup back in May. A 2-1 win, the Glamour Boys saw them earn their first trophy in 10 years.
The Nedbank Cup ignited the spark within the team and it is evident this season. Although Chiefs parted ways with head coach Nasreddine Nabi, his former assistants Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef are still part of the technical team having been promoted to co-coaches.
Why does Pirates still have the edge over Chiefs
Both Chiefs and Pirates made big signings during the transfer window but it is the Buccaneers who are sailing and getting the best out of the new players.
Although Amakhosi are level on points with their rivals, they lost out on the Carling Knockout Cup and have played a game more than their Soweto rivals.
The big difference between Chiefs and Pirates this season is the signings. Amakhosi signed the likes of Khanyisa Mayo, Flavio Silva and Thabiso Monyane, who have improved the team.
Their success this season has been mainly thanks to their defence, midfield. Brandon Petersen has kept clean sheets after clean sheets while Sibongiseni Mthethwa has been solid in the middle of the park.
The Buccaneers on the otherhand, made the biggest signing of the season by bringing in Oswin Appollis. The speedy winger was linked to Chiefs for a year but ended up joining Pirates in July.
He has improved the team’s attack this season alongside another new signing, Tshepang Moremi. In the middle of the park, Sihle Ndluli has made himself at home together with Sipho Mbule.
Both Mbule and Appollis were linked with Chiefs but somehow joined Pirates and are currently making a difference.
Amakhosi may have improved, but a bulk of their new signings have not found their feet yet. Pirates have the likes of Masindi Nemtajela, Nkosikhona Ndaba and Yanela Mbuthuma making the best of the opportunities given to them by their new club and coach.
