Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs do battle at the Orlando Stadium this afternoon with second-place up for grabs – here is how the two Soweto giants line-up for the Derby.
Pirates host Chiefs with an interesting statistic standing in their way, Chiefs head coach Stuart Baxter who’s come under immense pressure has not lost a league game against them in seven encounters.
While history does not necessarily count in these historic clashes and Mamelodi Sundowns’ dominance overshadowing the rivalry somewhat by running away with the league title – both coaches understand the importance to the supporters this afternoon.
“The derby rolls down again, someone said to me maybe it’s a bit watered down because Sundowns are top of the league but I don’t accept that,” Baxter said ahead of the game.
“If you asked our supporters if you ask the Pirates supporters or sponsors, anyone involved in each football club, it’s not only bragging rights or three points but the history and prestige make it much more special than normal games.
“For all those respects, we’re working very hard and as we move closer to the game, the focus is on being able to come into the game in the right frame of mind so we can give a good performance.
“The tragedy is that supporters aren’t there which makes the Soweto derby really, but for all the other reasons I’ve given we’ll still be fired up and ready to go.”
Meanwhile Pirates co-coach Fadlu Davids stated that they will not be playing for a draw at home as three points could go a long way for them to qualify for Africa’s elite club competition next season.
“We have to take this game like any other game, yes, it’s our direct rival that is fighting for the Champions League spot and we definitely want that,” Davids stated in the pre-match press conference.
“But it’s definitely not a game you play to not to lose. It’s a match that winning the game gives you that advantage, winning will put you up in the second spot already and that’s what we aiming for.”
One of Pirates star performers of late in the form of Bandile Shandu played down his form when asked whether he’s targeting a goal against Amakhosi: “For me, it’s all about the team, the individual comes later, I’m just going to work ad assist the team where I can and scoring will just be a bonus.
“I’ll just do my job, work to my full potential and ability and make sure we get the result, scoring will come later, if I do, I do… If I don’t and the team produces three points, I’m more than happy.”
The 52nd league encounter between the Soweto giants in the Premier Soccer League era kicks off this afternoon at 15h30.
Orlando Pirates XI: Mpontshane, Nyauza, Mako, Ndah, Shandu, Monare, Motshwari, Dlamini, Lorch, Hotto, Peprah
Subs: Ofori, Mabaso, Dzvukamanja, Mntambo, Lepasa, Maela, Jooste, Mabasa, Jele
Kaizer Chiefs XI: Petersen, Mathoho, Cardoso, Njabulo Ngcobo, Frosler, Blom, Manyama, Nange, Parker, Dolly, Billiat
Subs: Bvuma, Mphahlele, Castro, Baccus, Dube, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, Mabiliso, Sekgota, Radebe
