The weekend’s ‘Clasico’ in the Betway Premiership between old foes Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates is already a sellout affair and the build-up this week has been dominated by debate over where the match might be won and lost.
Certainly, there will be some fine individual duels on Saturday afternoon at Soccer City (live on SuperSport) and these are the key match-ups to watch out for:
BRADLEY CROSS v RELEBOGILE MOFOKENG
Although he is inclined to drift all over the pitch, Pirates’ dangerman Relebogile Mofokeng will likely be used mainly on the right-hand side in the derby with veteran Deon Hotto down the left of the Buccaneers’ attack.
It will allow Mofokeng to try and take on Chiefs’ left back Bradley Cross, who has had an inconsistent debut season at Chiefs since his move from Lamontville Golden Arrows, even losing his place in the team for several matches.
Last weekend Cross had to be pressed into service as a centre back because of an injury crisis in the AmaKhosi camp but Happy Mashiane proved a poor replacement, so Cross is likely back at left back for the derby.
ZITHA KWINIKA v EVIDENCE MAKGOPA
Chiefs’ centre back Zitha Kwinika will be making only his third start of the season on Saturday as the club’s crisis in the defensive department continues.
Kwinika had been down the pecking order and hardly got a chance to play this campaign, but with the likes of Rushwin Dortley, Given Msimango and Edmilson injured, he has been pressed into servce.
Pirates will likely lead the line with Evidence Makgopa, whose work rate should give him a narrow nod ahead of Tshegofatso Mabasa in the No 9 position, although this is something Bucs coach Jose Riveiro is probably debating furiously in his head as he decides his line-up.
Makgopa, or Mabasa, will provide Kwinika with a tough physical test.
YUSUF MAART v MAKHEHLENE MAKHAULA
Two midfield stalwarts will go head-to-head in a potentially bruising battle for control of the park on Saturday.
Yusuf Maart is full of running and energy but has not had the best of seasons while the 35-year-old Makhehlene Makhaula keeps on improving like fine red wine.
He has been a late bloomer in Pirates’ colours but is now very much the master of their engine room, helping not only on defence but also pushing forward onto the attack when needed.
Maart, who has scored two derby goals previously, does much the same and so the head-to-head challenge between the two will be absorbing to say the least.
ASHLEY DU PREEZ v TAPELO XOKI
Pirates' defence will likely still be reeling from the aerial lapses that cost them a place in the African Champions League final.
Sibisi and Tapelo Xoki were caught from crosses and their inability to clear saw the Buccaneers lost to Pyramids in Friday’s semifinal second leg in Cairo.
Chiefs do not have an aerial presence to test the opposing back four but plenty of pace in the form of Ashley Du Preez, who is almost certain to start with Wandile Duba suspended.
If Chiefs continue to try and use the counter as their main attacking option, as has been the case under Nasreddine Nabi, then Du Preez could prove decisive … if he gets decent service.