The FNB Stadium is set to host a monumental chapter of the Soweto Derby as Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates face off in a sold-out encounter.
While the historical rivalry is always intense, this fixture carries the weight of shifting power dynamics in the South African football landscape as the Mighty Buccaneers are looking to pull clear of Mamelodi Sundowns in the Betway Premiership title race.
The Sea Robbers have been challenging more consistently for league honours – securing three consecutive runners under then boss Jose Riviero – but Kaizer Chiefs hold the psychological edge of being the reigning Nedbank Cup champions. Their 2-1 victory over the Buccaneers last year finally ended a painful decade-long trophy drought, injecting a newfound belief into the Amakhosi faithful.
African football expert Mogale Sathekge, speaking on Soccer Betting News, believes the result will hinge on the clinical (or lack thereof) nature of the frontlines. Sathekge highlighted Chiefs’ speedster Ashley Du Preez as a player who is virtually guaranteed a chance a game, yet haunted by inconsistency.
“Whether it’s against Pirates, Sekhukhune, or Sundowns, Du Preez always finds a way to get a chance,” Sathekge noted. “It’s a matter of his taking that chance. If he doesn’t take that chance, it becomes a horrendous miss,” he elaborated.
READ: Kaizer Chiefs vs Orlando Pirates: Kick-Off Time, Odds, Preview and Prediction
The critique was even sharper for Pirates’ dangerman Yanela Mbuthuma. Despite the Buccaneers’ high-flying position, Sathekge expressed concerns over the forward’s ability to find the back of the net. “At this point, I can’t tell you what Mbuthuma’s strength is,” the pundit remarked.
“I thought he was a good header of the ball, he got a 1 on 1 against Sundowns, he gave it to Williams. The ball that was scored by Maswanganyi, it was a cross, 1 on 1 with Williams, he chose to hit the woodwork,” he lamented.
Pirates will be looking to reclaim their status as the kings of Soweto and keep pace with Sundowns, while Chiefs aim to prove that their 2025 cup triumph was the start of a new era of dominance. Kick off at the Calabash is set for 15h30 later today.