Unbeaten Orlando Pirates FC host arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs this Saturday in the 186th Soweto derby, a key Premier Soccer League clash at FNB Stadium. The Buccaneers sit second in the standings with 22 points from eight matches, just one point behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, and carry a formidable goal difference of plus-18 after scoring 19 times and conceding only once. Their record of seven wins and a draw from their eight games is the foundation of their title challenge.
Pirates are on a four-game winning run in the league, their latest a 3-0 victory over Milford FC last Tuesday where T. Moremi scored twice. This followed a 4-0 win over African Stars on Friday 23 October and a 1-0 away victory against the same opponent on Saturday 17 October. Their recent form over the last five matches reads four wins and one defeat. Their defensive solidity and attacking form, with striker T. Moremi the club's top scorer this season with four goals in six appearances, provide a stark contrast to their rivals' struggles. Kaizer Chiefs have won only three of their nine league matches and were eliminated from both the MTN8 and CAF Confederation Cup this season.
Chiefs' form and goalkeeper issues
Kaizer Chiefs' campaign has been inconsistent, with defensive issues highlighted by a goalkeeper situation that saw Renaldo Leaner banished to the stands after a poor performance in Zambia. Their league record shows three wins and five draws from eight games, leaving them fifth in the table ahead of this derby. While they won a recent Carling Knockout first-leg tie 1-0, they were eliminated on penalties after a 1-1 aggregate draw.
In the last two league meetings between these sides, Orlando Pirates have scored four goals and conceded just one. The derby kicks off at 3.30pm on Saturday at FNB Stadium, a fixture that always carries immense weight for the league aspirations of both clubs. Orlando Pirates will look to extend their unbeaten start and close the gap at the top against a Chiefs side desperate for a statement result.
Further reading: theherald.co.za
Orlando Pirates legend Jomo Sono has praised Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Mduduzi Shabalala ahead of Saturday's derby. Speaking on 31 October, Sono said, "What I like about Shabalala is that at least he creates chances." The Pirates, second in the league with 22 points from eight games, host their rivals at FNB Stadium. Sono also highlighted Chiefs youngsters Mfundo Vilakazi and Wandile Duba as players to watch.
Former Pirates winger Lebohang Mokoena has highlighted Thapelo Mokobodi as a key threat for the derby. Mokoena said, "He’s going into this Derby with high confidence." He also expressed concern about the right-back position, noting Bulelani Sigomoshe has not settled in. Mokobodi scored in the 3-0 win over Milford FC on 27 October, assisted by Tshepang Moremi. The unbeaten Buccaneers, second with 22 points, host Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday.
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has taken responsibility for tactical errors in Saturday's Soweto Derby. The Buccaneers won 2-1 against Kaizer Chiefs, but Ouaddou said his first-half setup put his team under pressure. "I think coach Ouaddou put his team in trouble in the first half," he said. The coach made changes at half-time to stabilise the game. Tshepang Moremi scored the 55th-minute winner, his fourth goal of the season. The win extends Pirates' league winning run to five games, keeping them second, one point behind the leaders.
Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz criticised his side's finishing after their 2-1 derby defeat to Orlando Pirates. He said his team should have been ahead in the first half. "In the first half, we must have killed this game," Da Cruz told reporters. He also claimed the Pirates' opening goal was offside. The win extends Orlando Pirates' winning run to five league games, keeping them second, one point behind the leaders.
