Major party leaders from the ANC, DA and EFF are currently being voted for by the SA public, but which of the Soweto giants will they be rooting for in next weekend’s derby?
Picture: Itumeleng English/African News Agency (ANA)

Orlando Pirates vs Kaizer Chiefs: Head to head, teams, kick off and live stream

The two giants of South African football prepare to square off on Saturday’s Soweto Derby at FNB Stadium.

by Siviwe Breakfast

25-10-2018 12:37

in Premier Soccer League

No prizes for guessing where South Africa’s soccer-loving public’s attention will be focused this coming weekend, as Orlando Pirates take on Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto Derby at FNB Stadium on Saturday.

Unlike seasons past, the two sides have had no chance to feel each other out during the offseason, which has amplified the anticipation for this particular showcase of the biggest derby in the local game.

The buzz around the clash has been evident, with all 82 000 available tickets sold out well before the two Soweto giants have taken to the field.

On the football side of things, the two teams are well poised as far as log position is concerned and – depending on what happens on the weekend’s opening fixture which features the table-topping Bidvest Wits – either side could find itself right at the summit. This will, however, require a special feat on Kaizer Chiefs part as, despite being three points adrift from the log leaders – the Clever Boys are still five to the good in terms of goal difference.

Read: Soweto Derby: Eight players that could light up the big stage

Team news

Amakhosi have had slim returns in front of goal in their three most recent outings, and have not registered a single goal in open play in this period, with their only victory – a cup win – coming through a penalty shootout.

In league action, they managed to return with a single point in the two matches following their most successful run so far in the current campaign where they won three on the bounce, finding the net eight times in the process.

Their problems up front have been compounded by rotten luck with injuries, with Lebogang Manyama ruled out until December, while Khama Billiat, Dumisani Zuma and Leonardo Castro were all under an injury cloud in the lead-up to the Derby.

Read: Soweto Derby: Mokwena reveals why Pirates decided not to sign Billiat

For the Buccaneers, the physio’s table has not been as busy, as they have welcomed back two key players in recent weeks, with Musa Nyatama back in action after being sidelined for over a month, while Vincent Pule marked his return from injury with a decisive goal against Chippa United in the Telkom Knockout.

There are, however, concerns over Zambian international Augustine Mulenga, who picked up a knock in the cup tie against the Chilli Boys, while Luvuyo Memela – who’s brace sunk Kaizer Chiefs in the last Soweto Derby – is also in a race against time to be fit for Saturday’s clash.

Orlando Pirates vs Kaizer Chiefs: Head to head

Draws have been synonymous with the Soweto Derby in recent years, but the last clash between these two sides did break a run of four consecutive stalemates, as Orlando Pirates beat Kaizer Chiefs 3-1 to extend their unbeaten run against their rivals to 10 competitive matches. However, in these encounters, only three have ended in victory for the Buccaneers.

Amakhosi’s last win in this fixture came in December 2014 when a Stuart Baxter-led side clinched a 1-0 win en route to the league title.