The smack talk and trolling have started to intensify in the offices, taxi ranks, taverns, and all corners of the football-loving corners, as the biggest fixture in the PSL calendar, the Soweto Derby, is on the horizon.
Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs will once again be locked in a brawl for maximum points, but most importantly, the bragging rights for who is the Big Dog of Soweto.
In what will be a sold-out affair and the FNB Stadium set to be a full house with 90000 spectators this Saturday afternoon, the stakes will be high for the Buccaneers and Amakhosi.
Pirates may be smoking hot and unstoppable, but in the derby, the form book is usually thrown out if the window – it becomes about who wants it more on the day.
Siyasanga Monoalibe explains why coach Jose Riveiro’s men are the favourites to be called the ‘Kings of Soweto’.
Who will be key for Orlando Pirates?
Relebohile Mofokeng:
From Orlando to Cairo, Relebohile “Cocomelon” Mofokeng is more than likely to terrorise Amakhosi. The 20-year-old has been a marvel to watch, with his jaw-dropping performance week-in-week-out. He is also expected to continue his form against their Soweto rivals.
Mofokeng is already in the conversation for the Player of the Season accolade, as his consistency has been exciting to witness. He has scored crucial goals for Pirates this season.
Mohau Nkota:
This season has been touted as the season of “Ama 2k”, with the youngsters living up to the expectations and setting the PSL scene alight.
One of those starlets who have been very impressive and the talk of the town since Riveiro gave him a nod last year in the Carling Knockout is Nkota.
He has since never looked back, as he has been continuously picked over senior players like Gilberto and Monnapule Saleng on the right wing.
The 20-yearold will get his first taste of the senior Soweto Derby and is tipped to cause problems for the leaking Chiefs defence that has managed to keep two clean sheets in their 14 league matches this season.
Buccaneers fun facts:
Pirates have more touches in the opposition box than any other team, which means they will most likely be in Amakhosi’s box more.
The Sea Robbers also have the second-best defence in the league after Mamelodi Sundowns, as they have only conceded five goals out of 11 matches played. Chiefs have already let in 16 goals.
Sports editor Kgomotso Mokoena says Chiefs have the pedigree to disappoint the overconfident Buccaneers on the day. Having covered the Soweto derby for as long as he has, he is of the view that more often than not, underdogs triumph. Bucs may have taken their game to another level, but Chiefs may just catch them with a sucker punch and silence their fans.
Who will be key for Kaizer Chiefs?
Mduduzi Shabalala:
The twinkle-toed Soweto lad is coming of age and has been carrying the hopes of the supporters and the senior players on his tiny shoulders. Shabalala can unlock any defence with sheer ease, and he also has the ability to launch solo runs into the opposition penalty area.
In the 13 Betway Premiership matches he has played this season, he has scored four goals and provided one assist, including the solo goal run where he dissected the entire Chippa United defence and won the Goal of the Month for November/December.
Mfundo Vilakazi:
The tiny-tot will go into his first derby with his tail up after he scored his second goal of the season against Sekhukhune United over the weekend. His winning goal at the death rescued Chiefs from dropping more points in their topsy-turvy season.
He also grabbed a winner for Amakhosi in their opening league match against Marumo Gallants in Bloemfontein and the Pirates defenders can expect a double shift when the dribbling wizard is in possession.
Amakhosi fun facts:
Chiefs have been blowing hot cold and have never won two league matches in a row this season. This is their 10th year without an official trophy and beating Bucs could just ease the pain.
Ranga Chivaviro has scored three goals with no assists, while his counterpart Christian Saile is on zilch after six matches. Pirates could be the best stepping stone for the struggling duo to resuscitate themselves.
