Soweto Derby: South Africa braced for sold-out affair

The local soccer loving public has been spoilt in recent weeks with two Soweto Derby in conservative weekends.

After taking each other on in the Telkom Knockout in Durban, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates – two titans of the South African game – go at it again, this time in the more familiar backdrop of Soweto.

A capacity crowd is expected in the 90 000-seater FNB Stadium after all tickets for the clash were sold out earlier in the week.

Kaizer Chiefs vs Orlando Pirates: Form guide 

What’s somewhat of a cliché when it comes to this particular clash suggests that form does not really matter, and only what either side put out on the day will really count.

However, the contrasting fortunes that the two teams have experienced in the early stages of the current season do deserve a mention.

Billed as the hosts for the day, Kaizer Chiefs have seen off almost all comers, with the exception of Supersport United and Polokwane City, who have both stood in the way of the Naturena-based outfit bagging three points against them.

Five points is the exact tally dropped by the Glamour Boys all season, after drawing against Supersport then suffering defeat to Rise and Shine in what has been a nigh perfect start to the season.

Not close to the same can be said about their rivals, who are yet to string together two wins in a row all campaign.

In all competitions, Orlando Pirates boast only four victories and the early results on the weekend have pushed them down to ninth place in the league standings. 

The Buccaneers are coming off a goalless draw at home to Maritzburg United and, from that particular performance, they will want to channel the aggression and intent plus add a bit more composure in front of goal, against their biggest rivals.

It has also been almost five years since Kaizer Chiefs scored a league victory over Orlando Pirates, a record the Buccaneers will be keen on preserving, knowing how much bragging rights in the Soweto Derby means for either set of fans.

The match kicks off at 15:30  (SAST) and can be followed by clicking on TheSouthAfrican.com live scores here.