Kaizer Chiefs Orlando Pirates Soweto Derby

Chiefs and Pirates fans. Image: BackpagePix

Kaizer Chiefs vs Orlando Pirates: Latest Soweto Derby TEAM and INJURY updates

Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates fans will be in a frenzy ahead of the 117th Soweto Derby. Here’s all of the latest injury news.

Kaizer Chiefs Orlando Pirates Soweto Derby

Chiefs and Pirates fans. Image: BackpagePix

Fans of Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates will be in a frenzy ahead of the 117th Soweto Derby. Here’s all of the latest news you’ll need ahead of kickoff.

Kaizer Chiefs vs Orlando Pirates: FIVE players to watch in the Soweto Derby

CHIEFS NEWS: Mdu or Die time, Dolly to step up?


Latest Soweto Derby team and injury news

A number of key players are likely to missing this grand occasion.

For the Glamour Boys, veteran centre-back Eric Mathoho suffered another injury setback soon after his most recent return. Meanwhile, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo is out for a while, and only expected back on May after surgery. Right-backs Reeve Frosler (jaw) and Dillan Solomons (shoulder) will both be absent. Khama Billiat is out for the season.

OPINION: Why this Chiefs star will decide the Soweto Derby

From a Pirates perspective, they’ll be without first-choice central defensive pairing Nkosinathi Sibisi and Olisa Ndah, as well as goalkeeper Richard Ofori. The talented ball-playing Sipho Chaine will continue to deputise between the sticks.

BUCS: Predicting the Orlando Pirates starting XI

Kaizer Chiefs
Khama Billiat could reportedly be reunited with Pitso Mosimane. Image: @KickOffMagazine / Twitter

PREDICED KAIZER CHIEFS XI

Khune; Ngezana, Kwinika, Dube, Hlanti; Maart, Sithebe; Dolly, Shabalala, Sekgota; Basomboli

Head coach Zwane faces selection dilemmas all over the pitch. He’ll need to think extra carefully about who plays at right-back to combat the dangerous promptings of Thembinkosi Lorch and Deon Hotto on the Pirates left flank. Will he retain Siyabonga Ngezana who struggled there against Arrows, or draft in Happy Mashiane?

DERBY DAY: Two massive selection dilemmas facing Kaizer Chiefs

Kaizer Chiefs fans
Kaizer Chiefs fans encapsulating the passion of a Soweto Derby. Image: BackpagePix

PREDICTED ORLANDO PIRATES XI

Chaine; Xoki, Maela, Mako; Shandu, Timm, Ndlondlo, Hotto; Saleng, Dzvukamanja, Lorch

Manager Jose Riveiro opted for a 3-4-3 in the Buccaneers’ 2-1 win over Maritzburg last time out and should persist with that system here.

The in-form Zimbabwean striker Terrence Dzvukamanja will lead the line flanked by the ever-dangerous Monnapule Saleng and Thembinkosi Lorch

ICYMI: Mamelodi Sundowns are always the real winners on Soweto Derby day

Orlando Pirates fans trolling Kaizer Chiefs?
Orlando Pirates fans expectant on Soweto Derby Day. Image: BackpagePix

Chiefs vs Pirates kicks off on Saturday at 15:30.

For more insights, analysis and love for the beautiful game, hit up James Freemantle.

Meanwhile, follow The South African on Twitter for up-to-the-minute news updates.