Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs at the first Soweto derby since the Covid-19 pandemic in front of over 90,000 supporters at the FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The ‘hosts’ Pirates came into the game brimming with confidence after their 3-0 second-leg MTN8 semi-final victory over Mamelodi Sundowns while Chiefs missed out on a place in the final after losing to AmaZulu via the away goal ruling in their 1-1 aggregate score.
One point and one place in the league separated the two sides in fourth and fifth making it a six-pointer and a potential statement of intent victory on offer before the FIFA World Cup break in the Soweto giants looking to challenge the domestic dominance of Mamelodi Sundowns.
Pirates coach Jose Riveiro named an unchanged starting line-up that beat Sundowns last week with Thembinkosi Lorch and Vincent Pule still unavailable through injury, Monnapule Saleng, and Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo maintained their spots behind Kermit Erasmus in attack. Meanwhile, Zakhele Lepasa returned to the starting eleven for the suspended Miguel Timm.
For Chiefs, Dillan Solomons and Nkosingiphile Ngcobo made surprise returns to the line-up as coach Arthur Zwane showed his attacking intent to go out and be positive against their fierce rivals on the day
Fascinating Opening Half As Players Revel In Atmosphere
It was evident from the starting whistle that both sets of players are inspired by the packed to capacity crowed, with more endeavor, pace, on and off-the-ball running than previously seen in games gone by this season.
In what was an end-to-end spectacle, it lacked perhaps that little bit of arrogance in the final third, with Ashley du Preez the only player on the field who had a clear-cut opportunity to open the scoring, however, his lack of confidence was clear as his efforts went straight at Siyabonga Mpontshane, who was favoured over Richard Ofori in goals.
Saleng, who came into the game as one of the players to watch, was also neutralised effectively with Njabulo Blom playing his six role to perfection – but with 13 shots on goal, only four were on target from both sides overall, as the game went into the break goalless.
Who will secure bragging rights in the first Soweto Derby of the 2022/23 season?
Story by: Lorenz Köhler at FNB Stadium.
