All roads will lead to the FNB Stadium on Saturday when Orlando Pirates take on Kaizer Chiefs in the second installment of the Soweto Derby, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.
The wait is almost over as the much-anticipated Soweto Derby kicks off on Saturday, with both sides eager to walk away with maximum points to keep the pressure on log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.
This local rivalry is considered to be one of the most fiercely contested matches in African football, dating back to 24 January 1970.
Amakhosi played out to their 11th draw of the campaign when they drew 0-0 with Bloemfontein Celtic this past weekend. Amakhosi have now gone on a 10-match unbeaten run, claiming six wins and four draws.
The Glamour Boys currently occupy third place in the Absa Premiership standings after claiming 35 points from 22 games.
Amakhosi coach Steve Komphela says he would like to play an attacking game, but is wary of the threat Pirates possess on the counter-attack.
‘From an attack point of view‚ both teams will be very offensive,’ Komphela said.
‘It is going to be a pressing game. We might even move to a state where there is going to be chaos pressing.
‘Whoever has the ball is pressed and as soon as they lose the ball, they press. It will be a game where nobody gives space‚ gives time.’
The Buccaneers claimed their ninth win in the PSL after coming from behind to thrash Chippa United 4-2 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium last Saturday.
Pirates have claimed a total of 36 points from 22 games, and now trail Pitso Mosimane’s Sundowns side by four points with eight games left until the end of the season.
Pirates assistant coach Rulani Mokwena says his side will see the encounter as any other fixture and he believes this match will determine where the Buccaneers’ football is going.
‘Our preparation has been normal. We’ve looked at what we did previously, analyses of our opponents and we are now putting together our tactical approach,’ Mokwena said.
‘It’s a big game sure, but our preparation is not so different than any other game. We treat them all as importantly.
‘There’s a lot of detail that has gone into our analysis and tracking of behavioural patterns of our opponent. They are well coached and we respect that. This game on the weekend will give us an indication of where our football is going.’
Amakhosi have dominated the derby, winning 67 games since 1970, compared to 38 for the Buccaneers, while 52 games have ended in a draw. Five matches were abandoned due to a variety of reasons.
When the teams met earlier this season at the FNB Stadium, Chiefs and Pirates were forced to share the spoils after playing out to a goalless draw on 21 October 2017.
Possible lineups for the Soweto Derby:
Orlando Pirates: 4-2-3-1
Jackson Mabokgwane, Happy Jele, Ntsikelelo Nyauza, Mthokozisi Dube, Innocent Maela, Marshall Munetsi, Musa Nyatama, Luvuyo Memela, Thembinkosi Lorch, Bernard Morrison, Justin Shonga.
Kaizer Chiefs: 3-4-3
Itumeleng Khune, Daniel Cardoso, Siyabonga Ngezana, Mphahlele, Ramahlwe Molangoane, George Maluleka, Willard Katsande, Philani Zulu, Siphiwe Tshabalala, Ryan Moon, Leonardo Castro.
