Soweto Derby

Stats: Mhango vs Nurkovic

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Samir Nurkovic of Kaizer Chiefsand gabadinho Mhango of Orlando Pirates

Saturday’s Soweto derby is riddled with various sub-plots. With two of the league’s in-form hitmen in Gabadinho Mhango and Samir Nurkovic facing off, fireworks can be expected at the FNB Stadium when Orlando Pirates meet Kaizer Chiefs.

The Soweto giants do battle on Saturday afternoon in a game which could have huge ramifications for not only the title race but also the race to the Golden Boot.

Table-toppers Chiefs head into the game four points ahead of Pirates, who sit in third and have played an extra game, and will be looking to extend their lead at the summit of the league but come up against a side who have won seven and drawn just one of their eight league games under Josef Zinnbauer.

Gabadinho Mhango

Gabadinho Mhango of Orlando Pirates
Gabadinho Mhango of Orlando Pirates

After a tough start to the season where game time was limited, the Malawi international has stepped up to be the key man behind the revival at Mayfair under German boss Zinnbauer, netting 10 goals in eight games.

This rocketed the former Bidvest Wits man to the top of the goal-scoring charts with 14 – two ahead of second-placed Peter Shalulile of Highlands Park.

His fine form brought him the Absa Premiership Player of the Month award for January, while he also scooped the Goal of the Month.

Mhango’s pace and power have proven difficult to stop and the Chiefs defence will have undoubtedly earmarked the forward as the main Pirates threat.

Mhango’s league stats in the 2019-20 season:

Appearances: 19
Goals: 14
Assists: 1
Minutes played: 1.383’

Samir Nurkovic

Samir Nurkovic of Kaizer Chiefs celebrates goal during the Absa Premiership match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs
Samir Nurkovic of Kaizer Chiefs

Not much was known about the Serbian hitman when he landed in South Africa following his move from Europe.

He has, however, quickly turned into a vital part of the Glamour Boys team, leading the line with his strength and aerial ability.

The 27-year-old has formed a formidable partnership with Colombian Leonardo Castro in a system built to take advantage of the strength of the forwards.

Nurkovic is currently third in the race for the Golden Boot, three goals behind Mhango, and will be eyeing a run of form and goals which could fire him to the top of the goal-scoring charts and Chiefs to league glory.

Nurkovic’s league stats in the 2019-20 season:

Appearances: 17
Goals: 11
Assists: 2
Minutes played: 1.483’