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DStv Premiership: Key battles for Orlando Pirates vs Kaizer Chiefs clash

As South African football followers wait with bated breath for the Soweto derby this weekend, we look at the key battles which are likely to influence the outcome.

Relebohile Mofokeng of Orlando Pirates celebrates goal during the DStv Premiership 2023/24 match between Orlando Pirates and Cape Town Spurs at Orlando Stadium
Image: Nokwanda Zondi/BackpagePix

As South African football followers await with bated breath Saturday's Soweto derby, we look at some key battles that will likely influence the highly-anticipated encounter.

Two women looking excitedly at cellphone

The country will once again come to a stand-still when Orlando Pirates host nemesis Kaizer Chiefs in a fight to finish second in the DStv Premiership and bragging rights at FNB Stadium on Saturday at 15.30.

Mamelodi Sundowns are in cruise control to clinch their seventh successive league title as they are unbeaten in 16 league matches.

Fifth-placed Pirates are 12 points behind Sundowns while Chiefs in sixth place trail the leaders by 13 points.

Both Pirates and Chiefs have played three more games compared to their counterparts from Pretoria.

Here are 4 key battles for the Soweto derby:

Relebohile Mofokeng v Zitha Kwinika

In the past few games, Mofokeng has been the point of attack for Pirates, and that will be the case in the Soweto derby as well.

The skilful teenager has the amazing ability to make the Sea Robbers tick.

His confidence received a boost after he scored a beautiful goal in the 1-1 draw against Cape Town Spurs on Wednesday.

Kwinika, a natural centre-back who has been played at right-back in the build-up to the clash, will have to bring his A-game to neutralise the 19-year-old star.

Chiefs coach Cavin Johnson spoke about how Kwinika (pictured below) is yet to be skinned by an opposing player, he will be in for an almighty test on Saturday against Mofokeng.

Zitha Kwinika of Kaizer Chiefs during DStv Premiership 2023/24 match against SuperSport United at Peter Mokaba Stadium
Image: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

Pule Mmodi vs Tapelo Xoki

For Chiefs, their attack is likely to be centred around the industrious Mmodi.

The former Golden Arrows man played a key role in helping Amakhosi down his former club on Tuesday and register their maiden victory of the year.

His speed and skills will be a concern for Pirates, but they will hope that Xoki comes better prepared and keeps Mmodi in check for the duration of the game.

Evidence Makgopa vs Given Msimango

Pirates boss Jose Riveiro said Makgopa is a doubt for the Soweto derby after the Bafana Bafana striker picked a knock against Polokwane City last Saturday, but the forward is most likely to start against Chiefs as the injury is said not to be a serious one.

If he does play, Makgopa will be key for the Buccaneers upfront.

Makgopa is currently Riveiro’s best-performing striker, and he also did well for Bafana at the Africa Cup of Nations.

He was on the scoresheet in the previous Soweto derby where Pirates claimed a 1-0 victory.

Msimango will be the man who will be expected to make sure that Makgopa doesn’t make scoring in the fixture a habit.

The defender has been at the centre of Amakhosi’s solid display at the back. Chiefs have conceded just a single goal in their last eight outings in all competitions.

Yusuf Maart vs Makhehlene Makhaula

This weekend’s Soweto derby promises to deliver one of the most exciting battles in the centre of the park between Yusuf Maart and Makhehlene Makhaula.

Pirates’ Makhaula appears to be in his best form since he joined the side in the middle of last season.

He has started all of the Pirates’ four games this year and has been one of the standout players.

Maart has featured in four Soweto derbies now and scored two goals.

Whoever is going to win the battle between the two will give his side a better chance to claim maximum.

Mduduzi Shabalala of Kaizer Chiefs challenged by Makhehlene Makhaula of Orlando Pirates during the 2023 Nedbank Cup Semi Final match between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates at the FNB Stadium
Image: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
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