The Soweto Derby is a football rivalry between Premier Soccer League’s giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. It was first contested on 24 January 1970. Matches between the two rivals attract a large fanbase and the rivalry is recognised as one of the biggest derbies in Africa.
The ‘El Kasico’ is the most anticipated fixture of the season and over the years it has delivered memorable moments and unforgettable goals. Two goals that I remember so vividly is the Thembinkosi Lorch stunner from outside the box in the Black Label cup and the Yusuf Maart halfway line goal that will go down in the history books for years to come.
There have been many players or ‘legends’ should I say that have left their mark in this fixture. Percy Moloi or ‘Chippa’ as he was known by his teammates is the first player to score in the Soweto Derby. Helman Mkhalele, a terrific character who was an absolute magician with the ball at his feet, Jerry ‘Legs of Thunder’ Sikhosana a darling of Orlando Pirates scored many crucial goals for Pirates and is the first player to score a hat-trick in the Soweto derby. That was just a few names to mention which made this fixture what it is today but now SBN has a look at five players that we think everybody should keep their eye on as we edge closer to the derby showdown this Saturday.
Patrick ‘Tito’ Maswanganyi
Maswanganyi has been Pirates’ best player this season. His trickery, creative thinking, and eye to pick a pass in the final third has set him apart which defenders find it difficult to stop at times while his goal contribution has also improved. So having Chiefs been sound defensively, with Bruce Bvuma keeping six clean sheets in the last seven games, “Tito” will be earmarked to unlock that defence.
Evidence Makgopa
Following a slow start to life as a Pirates player, Makgopa is finally looking the part. He has scored five goals in 15 league appearances this season including a goal that secured a victory for Pirates in the last derby match. His improvement has seen him play a huge role in Pirates attacking options especially after a successful AFCON campaign. He can score goals and hold up play for the rest of his teammates.
Yusuf Maart
Having played all Chiefs’ games this season, it’s clear to see that Maart is the cog of the team. He plays a significant role in the heart of the midfield and as the captain is invaluable. Maart has the ability to breakdown play and also plays a huge role in transitioning play from defence to attack. He also has a long range of passing which is essential to his game and I am sure every Amakhosi fan will want to attempt another derby worldie.
Bruce Bvuma
The 28-year-old has made the goal keeping position his own in recent weeks and is having the form of his life in goal for Chiefs. So much so, that amid Chiefs’ winless start to the year, he’s been their shining star. Bvuma’s patience has paid off and has improved with every passing game. His reflexes have been better as he’s able to deal with long and high balls, while he can use his feet to make saves.
Relebohile Mofokeng
This youngster is a scary prospect and a gift to the DStv Premiership let alone the Soweto derby. He has been nurtured in the right way at Orlando Pirates and assumed his position in the team like his been there for years. He has made 15 appearances in the league, scored 1 goal and made 2 assists. He is still only 19 years of age and has the ability to unlock the Amakhosi defence with his speed, incredible ball control, and trickery which I believe is his best attribute considering his size.
Written by Marc Strydom.