Kaizer Chiefs fans encapsulating the passion of a Soweto Derby. Image: BackpagePix
Kaizer Chiefs vs Orlando Pirates: FIVE players to watch in the Soweto Derby
It’s Kaizer Chiefs vs Orlando Pirates for the 117th time in the Soweto Derby. Here are five players who will prove decisive on the big stage.
Kaizer Chiefs fans encapsulating the passion of a Soweto Derby. Image: BackpagePix
Big matches call for big performances from big players. Here are five stars who could make the difference in the Soweto Derby. It’s Kaizer Chiefs vs Orlando Pirates for the 117th time!
Five players to watch in the Soweto Derby
Keagan Dolly
Ex-Montpellier man Dolly has three goals and four assists from 19 PSL games this term, and fans will demand that he produce a match-winning display on Derby Day. They are hardly terrible numbers, but they’ve come in fits and starts and he’s not been able to string together sustained periods of excellent form. Form is temporary, however, and class is permanent. This man has class, talent and temperament in abundance.
OPINION: Why this Kaizer Chiefs star will decide the Soweto Derby
Mduduzi Shabalala
Could the 117th Soweto Derby be the day when Mdu Shabalala truly announces himself on the grand stage? He certainly has the talent aand personality to be the catalyst for a huge turnaround at the club. He scored against Golden Arrows in the 3-2 defeat and has been a rare bright spot for the Glamour Boys this term; a goal in his first senior Soweto Derby would be a huge moment for the 19-year-old.
CHIEFS: It’s ‘Mdu or Die’ time in the 117th Soweto Derby
Christian Saile Basomboli
The Congolese striker has started life at Naturena in encouraging fashion. He hasn’t yet gotten on the score sheet, but has supplied an assist and given coach Zwane a new dimension in attack. What better time to get your first goal for the club than against Pirates?
Monnapule Saleng
24-year-old Saleng is one of the hottest properties in South African football right now. He’s a constant threat with his direct running and pace, and he’ll have an almighty battle on his hands against the wily, experienced head of Sifiso Hlanti in the Derby. It’s a battle we will watch with keen interest. Is Saleng the best individual player in the PSL? Many think so. He has five goals and four assists in just 12 leagues appearances this season. He would dearly love to rattle the back of the net against Chiefs.
ICYMI: Saleng a certainty in our combined Soweto Derby starting XI
Thembinkosi Lorch
Lorch is back in the fold for Pirates and that could spell trouble for Chiefs. The 29-year-old is a Soweto Derby specialist with five career goals against the old enemy. He will be targeting the right-hand-side of Amakhosi’s defence with Reeve Frosler and Dillan Solomons missing through injury.
Soweto Derby: Watch Lorch’s five goals for Pirates vs Chiefs
Who’s going to make the decisive difference in this much-anticipated Soweto Derby? Chiefs vs Pirates kicks off on Saturday at 15:30.
For more insights, analysis and love for the beautiful game, hit up James Freemantle.
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