In the heart of Johannesburg, a storm is brewing. It’s not the weather, but the electric charge that crackles in the air whenever Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs are set to clash. Born from rivalry decades ago, this is not just a game; It’s a cultural explosion, a battle for bragging rights that echoes through generations.
The Soweto derby is more than just ninety minutes of football, it’s a story etched in the very fabric of South Africa, a narrative of passion, pride, and the undying spirit of two giants of African football.
As we count down the days towards this highly anticipated fixture, let’s take a look at players who may have a huge impact on the game and potentially the result:
Relebohile Mofokeng:
Mofokeng is a very versatile and skilful player. He can play as a winger which is his most prominent position, as an attacking midfielder, or even in central midfield. He’s known for his pace, mesmerising dribbling ability, and his eye to pick out a pass. The teenage sensation also known as “Captain Yama 2000, “has featured in every game for the Buccaneers in the Betway Premiership this season and has scored two goals and registered 5 assists.
To further validate his importance to the Pirates squad this season, he has played in 26 games, scoring 8 goals, and provided 11 assists in all competitions.
The attacking winger brings creativity and dynamism to the Pirates attack. He can create chances for his teammates and also contribute to goals himself. His versatility gives coach Jose Riveiro options, and his fearlessness makes him a real threat to any defence.
Mohau Nkota:
Nkota is a left-footed attacker with a knack for scoring goals. The 20-year-old has followed in the footsteps of teammate Relebohile Mofokeng since gaining promotion from the Orlando Pirates reserve team (DDC) and has been in excellent form, showing composure on the ball despite his tender age.
The Kimberly-born attacker has also made a name for himself this season with impressive performances in the PSL and the CAF Champions League. In his 9 appearances in the Betway Premiership this season, he has scored two goals and in the 5 CAF Champions League games he has scored 2 goals and provided 2 assists.
Riveiro has shown faith in Nkota and he is the true definition of taking your opportunity with both hands. Nkota’s energy, confidence, and finishing ability make him a real danger for Chiefs to contain.
Patrick Maswanganyi:
Maswanganyi possesses excellent technical skills and is undoubtedly a gifted dribbler. He can take on defenders, create space for himself and his teammates, and inject excitement into the game which fans love to see. The 2024 Players’ Player of the Season also has an eye for goal and has shown he can finish chances.
The attacking midfielder can pick out passes, thread through balls, and set up scoring opportunities for his teammates. His dribbling and passing can help the Buccaneers break down a potentially stubborn Chiefs defence.
Maswanganyi has the ability to produce moments of magic that can change the course of the game. His versatility and movement will make him a difficult player for Chiefs to mark and contain on the day.
Mduduzi Shabalala:
Shabalala is a young and dynamic attacking midfielder who has flourished under coach Nasreddine Nabi. He’s known for his dribbling skills, his ability to create chances, and his willingness to take on defenders. Additionally, the talented youngster also has an eye for goal.
Since the arrival of coach Nabi, the 21-year-old has featured in 13 games for the Glamour Boys, scoring 4 goals and providing 1 assist.
The Glamour Boys academy graduate brings energy and flair to the Chiefs attack. He can unlock defences with his passing and movement and is not afraid to try something special. In a big game like the Soweto Derby, his creativity could be key.
Mfundo Vilakazi:
Vilakazi has had an immediate impact on the Chiefs squad since promoting from the Kaizer Chiefs reserve team (DDC). The attacking midfielder who prefers to operate from the right-hand side of midfield has the ability to go past defenders with his skill and create scoring opportunities for himself where he can cut in and use his favourite left foot to bang in goals as he has shown.
The 19-year-old has come under scrutiny at times but has shown that he is capable of competing at the highest level. Coach Nabi has selected the talented youngster in 13 Betway Premiership matches this season in which he returned the favour by scoring two goals while providing a single assist.
Vilakazi adds excitement and flair to the Chiefs’ build-up. His ability to link up play and find passes in crucial positions during the final third will be key for the Glamour Boys in this high-stakes encounter.
Gaston Sirino:
Sirino is an experienced and skilful attacking player. He’s known for his dribbling, his vision and his ability to create scoring opportunities. The Uruguayan also has impressive technical skills as he can operate in tight spaces and is also a threat from set-pieces.
Since making his move from Mamelodi Sundowns to Kaizer Chiefs, the 33-year-old has managed to feature in 7 Betway Premiership fixtures, scoring 1 goal and providing 3 assists before facing an injury that had kept him sidelined since the 8th of December.
The seven-time league champion brings quality and experience to the Chiefs attack. He can make a difference in tight games with his creativity and his ability to score goals. His experience will be invaluable in the Soweto derby.
Fans from both sides can expect an action-packed fixture which will provide moments of brilliance, rivalry, and unforgettable moments. The Soweto Derby is set to kick off at 15:30, on 1 February.
Written by Marc Strydom.