Soweto Derby Takes Centre Stage, Orlando Pirates Host Kaizer Chiefs With Continental Qualification to Play for

• Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs will meet in the Soweto Derby at Orlando Stadium, with both teams needing a big win
• Kaizer Chiefs have won 4 of the last 5 games between the two teams and Pirates will be looking to settle the score
• Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs are level on points and need a win to push for a CAF qualification spot

The eagerly anticipated Sowetan Derby takes centre stage today when Orlando Pirates host Kaizer Chiefs at the Orlando Stadium.

The Sowetan giants will meet for the 175th time today, but there are more than bragging rights to play for.

Continental qualification up for grabs for Sowetan giants

Both teams are level on points, 19 points behind Mamelodi Sundowns in first. However, Orlando Pirates has played three more games than their Sowetan rivals. Kaizer Chiefs are currently in third place in the DStv Premiership while Pirates occupy the fourth position.

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The second-placed team at the end of the season gain qualification to the CAF Champions League while the third-placed team goes into the CAF Confederation Cup. Royal AM currently occupies the second spot but are only a point above the Sowetan teams.

Kaizer Chiefs has also been billing the game as ‘the right to rule Soweto.’

Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs coaches need a big win in the Soweto Derby

A win for Chiefs’ Stuart Baxter, or the Pirates duo of Fadlu Davids and Mandla Ncikazi, would be huge, Goal.com reported. All three coaches have come under fire for their selection policies of late and fans have grown increasingly frustrated.

A petition was started by Chiefs’ fans to get rid of Baxter, while Ncikazi angered Pirates’ fans by refusing to field Gabadinho Mhango since his AFCON return, despite the Buccaneers struggling for goals in the Premier Soccer League (PSL).

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Players to watch in the Soweto Derby

On the Buccaneers side, Bandile Shandu has been in tremendous form for Pirates and is the current leading goalscorer in the CAF Confederation Cup. The defender’s performance has got many calling for him to be included in the Bafana Bafana team.

On the Amakhosi side, Khama Billiat is four goals away from having scored 100 goals in the PSL era. The Kaizer Chiefs star will be looking to reach that tally very soon, and getting closer to that milestone with goals against Pirates will be even sweeter.

Which players could miss the Soweto Derby?

Thembinkosi Lorch remains a doubt for the big game as the Pirates’ star suffered a hamstring injury during the week. Fans are also eager to see if Mhango finally gets a game. On the Kaizer Chiefs side, Cole Alexander has been ruled out due to injury while Samir Nurković is suspended for the crunch encounter. Itumuleng Khune will also miss out on the game as Stuart Baxter has given Brandon Petersen the nod to start the derby.

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The stats favour Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto Derby

Chiefs go into the game knowing that history is on their side. In the 175 games between the side, Amakhosi have won 71 games while Pirates have only won 44 games, the Kaizer Chiefs website confirmed. Chief have also won four out of the last five games between the sides in all competition. As SuperSport reported, Orlando Pirates have scored 189 goals in the derby, while Kaizer Chiefs have scored 223 goals against their rivals.

Soweto Derby: Memorable high scoring matches between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs from years gone by

Orlando Pirates will look to settle the score when they host rivals, Kaizer Chiefs, on Saturday afternoon in the Soweto Derby in the DStv Premiership at the FNB Stadium, Sports Brief earlier reported.

The Amakhosi sank their arch-rivals in an unusually open encounter in the corresponding last November. Chiefs won the match 2-1 courtesy of a Keagan Dolly brace, while Linda Mntambo was on the scoresheet for the Buccaneers.

An unfortunate characteristic of Soweto derbies in the Premier Soccer League starting 1996 has been the cagey, low-scoring nature of the matches. Coaches would rather play it safe and hope to catch the other side on the break.