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Chiefs vs Pirates: Five things to look out for in the 176th Soweto Derby

Kaizer Chiefs vs Orlando Pirates is always a massive day on the calendar. Here are five major storylines ahead of the 176th Soweto Derby.

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The 176th edition of the fabled Soweto Derby will take place at Soccer City on Saturday 29 October, kicking off at 15:30 CAT. What are the biggest storylines we’re watching ahead of kickoff?

READ: Soweto Derby: All you need to know in one place

Major Soweto Derby storylines

Here’s what we’re looking out for ahead of the 176th Soweto Derby.

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Kaizer Chiefs Women's Day
Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs have taken the opportunity to wish all of their female supporters a Happy Women’s Day. Photo: Gallo Images

Key stats

The last eight Soweto Derby clashes have produced 21 goals, with those strikes arriving at a healthy average of 2.60 per game. Added to that, every one of those games had a winner, which is a welcome change from Soweto Derby matches in the past which saw extended sequences of stalemates.

READ: Our predicted Soweto Derby starting XIs

Orlando Pirates fans
Orlando Pirates fans expectant on Soweto Derby Day. Image: BackpagePix

Unpredictability in the Soweto Derby reigns

The first three Soweto Derbies played in the Covid era were all won by the Buccaneers, but the three matches since then have all gone the way of AmaKhosi. Chiefs, however, haven’t beaten Pirates by more than a single goal since 2014. Chiefs’ three wins in a row are their joint best run in this fixture since they claimed six consecutive victories between 1991 and 1992.

Soweto derby Kaizer Chiefs Orlando Pirates
The National Football Supporters’ Association (NAFSA) has revealed its demonstration plans that will target next month’s Soweto derby. Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

READ: Soweto Derby — Last six meetings between Chiefs and Pirates

Lorch will be missed

Thembinkosi Lorch has notched five goals in his 12 Derby appearances but has been missing from The Buccaneers line-up since August. He’s had a disappointing season so far, but his likely absence this weekend will surely hurt Pirates.

Thembinkosi Lorch’s mysterious injury is continuing to raise questions. Image: @iDiskiTimes / Twitter.

Chiefs are a bit Jekyll & Hyde and that might guarantee goals

Only two sides, Mamelodi Sundowns (21) and SuperSport (16) have scored more than Chiefs’ 15 goals in the league this season. However, only lowly Maritzburg United (17) and Swallows FC (16) have conceded more than the 15 goals they have shipped. Kaizer Chiefs matches have featured 30 goals in total this term, more than any other side. Perhaps we’re in for some entertainment.

Kaizer Chiefs
Dolly has steped in as Kaizer Chiefs captain during Itumeleng Khune’s absence. Image: @KickOffMagazine / Twitter

Chiefs hold the historical edge

There have been 175 official Derby matches played in the past, with Chiefs leading the head-to-head 72-44. There have also been 54 draws and five games that have had to be abandoned for various reasons. Chiefs have outscored Pirates 223-190. This Derby will come a week before Pirates play their biggest match in two years as they take on AmaZulu in the final of the MTN8 on November 12. Coach Jose Riveiro will be desperate to avoid injury and suspensions ahead of that massive chance to win silverware.

ALSO READ: The seven greatest Kaizer Chiefs players in recent memory

DStv Premiership
The DStv Premiership off-season is over and we are now a little over ONE day away from kick-off in the 2022/23 season! Photo: Gallo Images

We can’t wait for kickoff.

READ: More insight and analysis from from football fanatic James Freemantle

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