Wandile Duba is Amakhosi’s man of the moment. Image: Goal
Orlando Pirates vs Kaizer Chiefs: Predicted Soweto Derby starting XIs
It’s time for somebody to write their name into folklore.
Wandile Duba is Amakhosi’s man of the moment. Image: Goal
Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs are separated by just a point ahead of Soweto Derby Day. Here’s how we think both sides will line up.
Predicting the Soweto Derby starting XIs
ORLANDO PIRATES
Chaine; Monyane, Sibisi, Ndah, Maela; Timm, Mbatha; Kimvuidi, Maswanganyi, Mofokeng; Mabasa.
Evidence Makgopa is a major injury doubt so Tshegofatso Mabasa should continue to lead the line. The attacking midfield trio of Karim Kimvuidi, Patrick Maswanganyi and Relebohile Mofokeng have started the last two league encounters and won’t be disrupted here. Thalente Mbatha has been impressive since signing for the club on loan and will start here, but it’s unclear whether it will be Miguel Timm or Makhehlene Makhaula alongside him in the engine room. If Olisa Ndah comes in for Tapelo Xoki, the latter might count himself a little unlucky. Monnapule Saleng and Zakhele Lepasa are great impact options off the bench if coach Jose Riveiro needs something extra in attack.
KAIZER CHIEFS
Bvuma; Kwinika, Msimango, Ngcobo, Hlanti; Mthethwa, Maart; Saile, Castillo, Mmodi; Duba.
There are selection dilemmas all over the pitch. Returning club captain Itumeleng Khune is a veteran of 30 Soweto Derby matches but Bruce Bvuma has kept three clean sheets on the trot. Coach Cavin Johnson must also ponder whether to bring in a conventional right-back option such as Reeve Frosler or Dillan Solomons or keep Zitha Kwinika in the side. With Edmilson Dove suspended, Njabulo Ngcobo should continue in the heart of the defence.
LATEST SOWETO DERBY NEWS
Itumeleng Khune is back for Amakhosi from suspension but is unlikely to start the derby against Orlando Pirates. You can keep up with all the latest developments ahead of the fixture. Pirates were underwhelmed after only managing a 1-1 midweek draw with Cape Town Spurs, while Chiefs finally got their first goal of 2024 through Wandile Duba’s wonder goal against Golden Arrows.
Meanwhile, hit up James Freemantle for more insights, analysis and love for the beautiful game.
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