SoccerClub writer DYLAN APPOLIS takes a look at how Kaizer Chief coach Ernst Middendorp stacks up against Orlando Pirates coach Josef Zinnbauer ahead of the much-anticipated Soweto derby this weekend.

The two coaches will come up against each other on 29 February as Chiefs and Pirates will be hoping to secure all three points and the bragging rights in the second instalment of the Soweto derby.

Ernst Middendorp (Kaizer Chiefs)

The Glamour Boys has been in fine form in the Absa Premiership this season under the tutelage of the German tactician, despite recently suffering back-to-back defeats by Maritzburg United and Highlands Park in the league and Nedbank Cup.

Amakhosi currently sits top of the league standings with 45 points after 20 games played, having won 14, drawn three and conceded only three defeats so far this season.

Here is a look at Ernst Middendorp’s stats since taking over the helm of the club:

Matches: 25
Wins: 17
Draw: 3
Lose: 5
Goals scored: 57
Goals conceded: 31
Points: 57
Points per match: 2,16
Preferred formation: 4-2-3-1

Josef Zinnbauer (Orlando Pirates)

Zinnbauer has had a tough start to life at Pirates since joining the club following the departure of former head coach Milutin Sredojevic.

However, Zinnbauer has turned the Buccaneers’ season around as they are currently on a 10-game unbeaten run in the league with the last defeat coming in the first instalment of the Soweto derby when they fell to a 3-2 defeat by Chiefs on 19 November 2019.

The Buccaneers are currently occupying third place in the league standings with 39 points from 21 games, trailing leaders Chiefs by six points. They have only conceded four defeats, drawn six and won 11 matches in the league so far this campaign.

Here is a look at Josef Zinnbauer’s stats since joining Orlando Pirates:

Matches: 9
Wins: 7
Draw: 1
Lose: 1
Goals scored: 21
Goals conceded: 11
Points: 22
Points per match: 2,44
Preferred formation: 3-4-3