The highly anticipated Soweto Derby is primed and ready as Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs battle it out at the FNB Stadium. The Buccaneers are soaring on cloud nine after securing an MTN8 final spot, whilst their eternal rivals AmaKhosi tend to their wounds. Who will take the bragging rights in the biggest match of the season?
To Win (90 mins)
Orlando Pirates 15/10
Draw 2/1
Kaizer Chiefs 37/20
Orlando Pirates
Orlando Pirates’ start to their season as a whole has been one that was seen as overhyped at first. The introduction of Spanish head coach Jose Riveiro came with mixed opinions, but lofty expectations were definitely the polarizing train of thought. Being in contention for a trophy gives the confidence to the team and reverence from opponents that comes along with being a part of one of the country’s biggest names. So, when they face off against their eternal rivals, we may assume Pirates hold the upper hand.
For the second time this season, Pirates were able to come away from a big match with a positive result after completely stifling Mamelodi Sundowns. A 0-0 draw on home soil meant the Buccaneers were able to avoid the away goal rule, and a 3-0 thumping of Masandawana meant they are in contention for their first trophy since 2020.
Riveiro surprised some in the early stages of the season but quickly fell under scrutiny for a lack of goals. Unsurprisingly, the defensive aspect of the Sea Robbers’ game under his tutelage has been at the forefront of his approach to great success. I was not in awe that Orlando Pirates were able to defeat Sundowns, but the way in which they did it left my jaw on the floor. The Spaniard even concluded in a post-match presser stating: “I can only say good things about our defensive phase. We defend with 11 players when we don’t have the ball.
“That’s one of the keys and one of the reasons why we’re getting these types of results. It’s not a secret.”
The foreign tactician has engineered two wins on the bounce across all competitions, back-to-back draws prior, and a shock 2-0 defeat at the hands of struggling Sekhukhune United. The more obvious and promising sign is that his side has just conceded three in those five fixtures.
Now, Orlando Pirates’ biggest test in the DStv Premiership to date awaits them.
Kaizer Chiefs
It has been a roller coaster ride for Kaizer Chiefs from fan to executive level in less than half the season. A massive overhaul and a shiny new project that has not kicked off the way many had envisioned. From new players, backroom staff, and a born and bred AmaKhosi manager, what more could you ask for? Oh yes, RESULTS!
People say in South African football everything is results-driven. But isn’t that the same for football across the world? Kaizer Chiefs crashing out of the MTN8 on the away goal rule and more embarrassingly failed to register a shot on target in their second-leg tie.
Intriguingly enough, coach Arthur Zwane was quick to state his confidence in his players and his relishing in the pressure before the massive Soweto Derby stating: “Pressure is part of the game. For me, being under pressure is a privilege because you won’t be under pressure when you are not in a good place … a place that improves you as a person.”
A worrying factor is the lack of clinical ability in the final third, and a player who can really fashion a chance out of his own will. A man who has been arguably “that player”, Caleb Bimenyimana leads the scoring chart for AmaKhosi, but having been forced to play with an obvious injury against AmaZulu last time out might not feature this time around.
Many pundits and fans are of the impression that should Zwane fail to get a positive result, his head could be on the chopping block. It is the final fixture till December 30th as the World Cup takes precedent – giving the club enough time for a new manager to regroup the side.
Winless in their last three fixtures, Chiefs are in dire need of three points in the league.
Prediction: Orlando Pirates Win (15/10)
Kaizer Chiefs versus Orlando Pirates had at some point lost some of its appeal, even being labelled by many fans as the “Draw Derby”. The revitalization of both sides has garnered some intrigue, more particularly for this season, and the first encounter is already reported sold out.
Chiefs were able to get the better of Pirates on both occasions last time, winning the fixture 2-1 as Keagan Dolly’s presence was made known. That awe for Dolly has since died, and in this encounter, Pirates possess Kermit Erasmus who is out to prove sometimes business is personal and not pleasure, as well as Monnapule Saleng, who has netted four goals over the last two games.
Kaizer Chiefs have not shown the desire to go out and win games in the manner that their rivals Orlando Pirates have. Chiefs have shown an eagerness to get forward, but I believe that will be their demise against a counter attacking Pirates who defend in numbers.
