Kaizer Chiefs meet Orlando Pirates in a must-win battle at Orlando Stadium on Saturday. Is this how coach Da Cruz should line up his side?
Likely Chiefs XI vs Orlando Pirates in the Soweto Derby
Fernando Da Cruz will persist with three at the back, but must choose between Pule Mmodi or Bradley Cross to operate in the left wing-back slot. In-form duo Mdu Shabalala and Wandile Duba will support Flavio Silva in attack, while Da Cruz and Chiefs fans will be delighted to have the creative talents of Lebo Maboe back in the fold after injury.
3421: Petersen; Kwinika, Moloisane, Miguel; Frosler, Mthethwa, Maboe, Cross; Shabalala, Duba; Silva.
Duba hits form in the nick of time
After only eight games of the new Betway Premiership campaign, Chiefs already trail leaders Sundowns by nine points, and Pirates by eight. They’ve only won two of their last eight clashes across all competitions and drawn more matches than they’ve won in the league. Ironically, they’re unbeaten in the league but far off the title pace. Chiefs did pick up a timely 3-0 win over TS Galaxy in the Telkom Knockout thanks to a hat-trick from 22-year-old striker Wandile Duba, who made history as the first Chiefs player to score a treble in this competition since 1996.
Soweto Derby key details
Defending Betway Premiership champions Pirates welcome Soweto archrivals Kaizer Chiefs to Orlando Stadium on Saturday, 31 October. Kickoff in the derby is at 15:30. The match will air on DStv channel 202 and SABC 1.
Kaizer Chiefs injury news
Lebohang Maboe returned to action against TS Galaxy and is in line to feature against Pirates. Rushwin Dortley also started that match and is likely to feature from the bench.
Who will prevail in this weekend’s Soweto Derby? Add your thoughts by clicking the red comments banner below!