As arguably the biggest fixture in South African and Betway Premiership football, all eyes will be on Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates in the keenly anticipated Soweto Derby this weekend, with the two iconic clubs set to do battle at the FNB Stadium on Saturday.
Kick-off is at 3:30pm (CAT, GMT+2).
CURRENT FORM
The reigning league champions currently find themselves in second position on the log, one point behind table toppers Mamelodi Sundowns with a game in hand.
The unbeaten Pirates have accumulated 22 points for the campaign after recording seven wins in eight matches, while the single draw added to their points tally.
Following a 1-1 draw with AmaZulu on 12 August, Pirates went on a five-match winning streak in the league with the latest being a 3-0 victory over TS Galaxy at the Orlando Amstel Arena on 13 October.
Chiefs, on the other hand, experienced a dip of results in the Betway Premiership during the last couple weeks as they occupy fifth position with 14 points from eight games.
Yet to lose a game in the league themselves, Chiefs have been left frustrated with five draws this season, three of which came in their last three encounters. Amakhosi last tasted victory on 6 September following a 3-2 home win over Siwelele.
WHAT WAS SAID
Speaking ahead of the Derby, Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou expressed that he will use his side’s recent win over Milford in the Carling Knockout as a basis for his preparation for Chiefs.
“We will analyze the things that we did well and the things that we can improve. And we need to improve them quickly,” Ouaddou said.
“We don't have time in football. If I'm waiting until December to improve these things, maybe it's too late.”
Further up the road, Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz expressed his pleasure at his side’s adaptability on his game model while suggesting that the Glamour Boys can improve on the efficiency in front of goal.
“We’re having confidence in our model game but not in the efficiency and I hope we get ready and since this evening, we’re going to recover and we will prepare the game for this Saturday,” Da Cruz noted.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Kaizer Chiefs: Bradley Cross – Cross could be in for a long 90 minutes this weekend given Pirates' willing runners in the attacking third, while he himself often showcases his zeal in going forward. Much of Chiefs’ success in the tie could come down to Cross having a good game.
Orlando Pirates: Tshepang Moremi – Moremi will enter this weekend’s action as one of the club’s most in-form players in front of goal. After a Man of the Match performance in the Carling Knockout Cup earlier this week, Moremi will be a dangerous outlet for the Buccaneers, particularly in swift transition attacking moments.