A blockbuster Soweto Derby is the highlight of the DStv Premiership weekend as FNB Stadium braces for Kaizer Chiefs vs Orlando Pirates. Joshua Gaillard previews.
Coach Arthur Zwane is under massive pressure, and now, with the biggest fixture of the season on the horizon, it’s likely a loss could prove fatal. On the flip side, Jose Riveiro is loving life as captain of the Sea Robbers, and a win here will further underline his credentials.
Yusuf Maart’s spectacular halfway line strike to catch out Siyabonga Mpontshane was the difference in the last encounter – what will be needed to separate the two juggernauts this time around?
A stunning goal to win the #SowetoDerby 💥
— FIFA (@FIFAcom) November 1, 2022
This strike from @KaizerChiefs’ Yusuf Maart could be one for the #Puskas list 👀
Who do you think deserves the award for the most spectacular goal of the year? Use #Puskas to share your contenders!pic.twitter.com/c1BtxF5FrT
Kaizer Chiefs 16/10 | Draw 31/20 | Orlando Pirates 39/20
The Kaizer Chiefs rebuild looked promising before a ball was kicked. Veterans of the side were moved on and young talent was brought in. And with 10111 at the helm, things were looking rosy. Life, however, has not been what many fans and former players expected for Amakhosi, and a win this weekend is of the utmost importance.
The Glamour Boys surrendered leads on two occasions in their last encounter as Golden Arrows ran out 3-2 winners at the Peter Mokaba Stadium. Zwane needed a police escort to leave the field of play with disgruntled fans making their feelings known.
With just 10 games left in the DStv Premiership season, a win over Pirates would take them level on points with the Sea Robbers.
Eight wins from 20 games is a long way off the level required to compete in the league, especially with the way Sundowns are dominating the local football scene.
Orlando Pirates enter the final quarter of the DStv Premiership with a chance to stamp their authority on the race for a CAF Champions League spot. And what better way to do so than over Kaizer Chiefs.
The only loss in Pirates’ last five league fixtures came at the hands of Mamelodi Sundowns. However, the Buccaneers drew confidence from a 1-0 defeat and bounced back with a solid away win against Martizburg United.
They’ve not registered enough wins to compete with Sundowns. However, there does seem to be a sense of identity at the club which has seen an improvement on the pitch over the last few seasons. An MTN8 trophy is testament to this.
Red-hot Monnapule Saleng is one player that can make things happen for Pirates. The winger has been terrorising defences up and down the country. He’s been involved in plenty of goals, including one against Maritzburg United last week.
Miguel Timm has also been a revelation at the heart of the midfield, pulling strings and keeping things ticking over.
Verdict: Orlando Pirates 39/20
If Sifiso Hlanti makes the starting XI and plays at left-back the way he did against Golden Arrows, Saleng will have a field day!
Pirates should dominate the ball, and this might just play into the hands of Kaizer Chiefs who have counter-attacked well this season. I feel both teams will score, but Orlando Pirates should walk away victorious.
