FORM GUIDE (last five league matches)
Pirates: WWWWD
Chiefs: WWDLW
MATCH BACKGROUND
Soweto rivals Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates will renew their derby rivalry in the Absa Premiership at FNB Stadium on Saturday.
Chiefs returned to winning form in the league when they defeated Ajax Cape Town 1-0 at home in midweek. The team in gold and black has claimed 27 points from 11 home matches this season.
Their next three league opponents are Maritzburg United, Moroka Swallows (both away) and AmaZulu (home).The Amakhosi are placed first on the Absa Premiership log with 50 points from 21 matches.
Pirates’ winning streak was ended at four matches when they were held 1-1 at Free State Stars in midweek. The team in black and white has claimed 19 points from 11 away matches this season.
Their next three league opponents are Chippa United, Black Aces and Platinum Stars (all home). The Buccaneers are placed fourth on the Absa Premiership log with 36 points from 21 matches.
In head-to-head stats, Chiefs and Pirates have met in 58 league matches since 1985. The Amakhosi have 24 wins compared to 12 for the Buccaneers, while 22 matches have been drawn.
Chiefs have won 13 of their 27 home matches against Pirates, suffering five defeats in the process. When the teams met earlier this season, the Amakhosi claimed a 2-0 away win thanks to goals from Tshabalala and Mthembu.
KEY PLAYERS
Oupa Manyisa (Orlando Pirates)
Manyisa’s form often translates to Pirates’ display on the day. He is the backbone of the Buccaneers' midfield. His ability to dictate the pace of the game could come in hand for Pirates, especially considering Chiefs will be running at Pirates.
His midfield partner Andile Jali might have left the club but Manyisa has established himself in the team and combines well with Issa Sarr and Thandani Ntshumayelo. Should he win the midfield battle against Reneilwe Letsholonyane in midfield, then Pirates can go all the way.
Siphiwe Tshabalala (Kaizer Chiefs)
Tshabalala has participated in the most number of Soweto derbies since the introduction of the PSL. He is currently tied with Pirates’ Lucky Lekgwathi on 22 derby caps but Tshabalala will now have an opportunity to set a new record of 23 derby caps this Saturday.
Having scored in the last derby in December, Shabba will be looking to set a new record with a win. His combination with Letsholonyane and Bernard Parker has often proved a handful for defenders.
WHAT THEY SAID
CHIEFS
“A lot is at stake when Chiefs and Pirates face each other. I used to be part of that Derby debate as a youngster. I always rooted for Chiefs. We would discuss the likes of Doctor Khumalo, Thabo Mooki, Frank Makua, Brian Baloyi and Thabang Lebese. To be able to play now in the Derby myself, especially in having participated in so many, is a huge honour. It’s like a dream come true,” Siphiwe Tshabala
“To have to play a game against Ajax Cape Town on a Wednesday - sandwiched between an African Champions League match and a Derby - is not easy. However, we got the three points. Now we should enjoy the match on Saturday.”- Chiefs coach Staurt Baxter.
PIRATES
"It’s always great playing in the Derby and previous results don't matter because it's all about the next 90 minutes. We aren't under any pressure because we know our strengths and what we are playing towards. We are going to enjoy ourselves. We'll have a great match, two good teams playing open and attacking football. It will be a good day for all,” – Pirates captain Oupa Manyisa.
"My first game in charge was against Kaizer Chiefs, and we lost, so this will be a bit of payback from the last result. Something that I didn’t know is that it has been a very long time since Pirates got a win or a draw prior to a derby, so the fact that we got a draw [against Free State Stars] hopefully sends a good message that we are ready and prepared for this game. I would like to win and make the title race interesting because I don’t think anyone will want to see Chiefs win the title with five-to-six games still to be played" – Pirates coach Eric Tinkler.
PROBABLE LINEUPS
Orlando Pirates: Mhlongo, Jele, Mahamutsa, Gcaba, Matlaba, Ntshumayelo, Makola, Sarr, Makola, Manyisa, Erasmus
Chiefs XI: Khune, Gaxa, Mashamaite, Mathoho, Masilela, Katsande, Letsholonyane, Masango, Tshabalala, Parker, Rusike
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