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| We’ve picked out a combined XI from the players that Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates have available. |
With the first Soweto Derby of the 2017/18 ABSA Premiership shortly underway, we’ll be taking a look at a combined XI from the players that Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates have available at the moment.
Both Soweto giants are missing a number of key players, meaning we will most likely see quite a few stars participating in their first competitive derby.
In my honest opinion, I think Amakhosi have the best defence in the country when every player is available, so it will be very tricky for a Buccaneer to be included in the backline.
Mzansi’s number one, Itumeleng Khune, will take his place in between the sticks. Although Wayne Sandilands has been impressive at times this season, it’s chalk and cheese when it comes to comparing who is better between himself and the Amakhosi captain.
Chiefs have been dealt with major injury issues at the back, with Kgotso Moleko, Lorenzo Gordinho, Ramahlwe Mphahlele and Teenage Hadebe all out.
That means the back four will feature as many as three Bucs players. Although he hasn’t had as much game time as he should have, I’m going with Abbubaker Mobara at right back, Ntsikelelo Nyauza and Eric Mathoho at centre back, with Pirates captain, Thabo Matlaba, completing the back four, despite playing much of the season in midfield.
In midfield, Oupa Manyisa’s replacement, Thamsanqa Sangweni, is a doubt for Pirates, while Chiefs, surprisingly, have all their players to choose from.
The double pivot in midfield consists of a player from each club with Willard Katsande and Musa Nyatama completing what would be a great partnership to witness.
Out wide, I’ve gone with the Kaizer Chiefs duo of Joseph Molangoane and Siphiwe Tshabalala, leaving out Bucs’ fan favourites, Thabo Rakhale and Thabo “Section 10” Qalinge.
With Gustavo Paez out injured and Tendai Ndoro now plying his trade in Saudi Arabia, picking the front two is a bit tricky.
Both clubs have great youngsters in their camp, most notably Lyle Foster of Orlando Pirates and Dumisani Zuma of Kaizer Chiefs.
However, for my selection, I’ve gone with Thamsanqa Gabuza and Bernard Parker. They’ve been decent when called upon at times and both players prefer to play in a front two, rather than being a lone striker, in my opinion.
Combined XI in full: 4-4-2
Khune; Mobara, Nyauza, Mathoho, Matlaba; Katsande, Nyatama, Molangoane, Tshabalala; Parker, Gabuza
That brings up a total of six Kaizer Chiefs players and five Buccaneers.
Let us know what you think of our combined XI on Twitter: @Sbn_ZA or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soccerbettingnews
This article was written by Jesse Nagel. Follow him on Twitter here!