Saturday sees the first of successive derby weekends in which Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates go head-to-head: first in the Betway Premiership at Soccer City and then on May 10 in the Nedbank Cup final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
These are likely to be the key players for either side in the clashes...
Bruce Bvuma: The Chiefs goalkeeper has played more games this campaign (22 in all competitions) than he has in his preceding eight seasons at the club, finally cementing the No. 1 position in the line-up. He has made some telling saves for the club, but there have also been question marks about some of the goals he has conceded, not least the long-range freekick from Marumo Gallants’ Daniel Msendami that sailed right over the defence, past him, and into the net at Soccer City last Saturday.
Deon Hotto: The left footer from Swakopmund in Namibia has turned into a stalwart for Pirates and at age 34 is looking sprightlier than ever. He is used either at left back or as an attacking winger, where his pace makes him a troublesome menace for opposing defenders. It is obvious Hotto developed as a raw talent and so his crossing, passing and shooting sometimes border on wild but when he gets it right, can prove deadly. This season he has already started 41 games, scoring six goals, and shows no signs of slowing down.
Inacio Miguel: The Angola international arrived at Chiefs with a large fanfare at the beginning of the season, but a litany of mistakes and too many yellow cards have cast doubt over his suitability for the club. Injury saw him miss the club’s last two outings, but he was on the bench last Saturday for the league loss to Gallants, suggesting he is almost ready to return. Given the number of centre backs who are out through injury at the moment (Rushwin Dortley, Given Msimango, Edmilson), he is likely going to be pressed back into service and return for Saturday’s encounter.
Yusuf Maart: Chiefs’ occasional captain has taken some flak from supporters in recent months but when it comes to giving his all for the team, there are few who can match up to the former Orlando Pirates junior. He has played more games and minutes than any other Chiefs player in the league this season and showed his versatility last weekend when he was asked to play right back in the second half after Dillon Solomons was taken off.
Thalenthe Mbatha: In the Pirates' engine room, the Bafana Bafana international forms a powerful partnership with Makhehlene Makhaula. Breaking down attacks, winning possession and tackling is his primary duty, but the 25-year-old from KwaMashu loves nothing better than storming upfield and taking a pot shot at goal. He has scored vital World Cup qualifying goals for South Africa and has four goals for his club this season as well.
Mbekezeli Mbokazi: Pirates’ new 19-year-old centre back has played only four Betway Premiership matches, two in the Nedbank Cup and a further four in the African Champions League, yet looks like a consummate veteran. His emergence in the side, on the back of a serious injury to Thabiso Sesane, who had an equally meteoric rise one year ago, has been seamless, showing no signs of nerves and a confidence in his ability. Just months ago, the teenager from Hluhluwe was still playing in the DStv Diski Challenge but is now headed to his first derby.
Relebohile Mofokeng: With masterful goals at the right moments, Mofokeng has emerged as the most exciting player in South African football. At age 20, it would seem the world is at his feet, and he has already been for overseas trials. It remains to be seen whether this will be his last season with Pirates and whether they will sell him to Europe, although if there are any negotiations ongoing, they are being conducted well outside of the public glare. In recent months Mofokeng has found himself more of a marked man as defenders look to deny him space but there is always the chance that he will conjure up something special.
Mduduzi Shabalala: With the suspension for Saturday’s league clash of attacker Wandile Duba, Shabalala is likely to get a start as Chiefs need something special in the creative department. The 21-year-old is the most credible of the AmaKhosi squad, able to turn defenders with his body swerves and create goals with his passing ability. Physically he sometimes flinches when confronted by bigger players, but if Chiefs need some magic to ignite their game, he is the top candidate to light the fuse.