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Although the boo boys are out already after a series of poor performances from Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, Saturday’s Soweto derby could prove to be one of the most crucial clashes between the two sides in recent memory.
The derby has produced some of the most memorable moments over the years, and the upcoming confrontation between the rivals at the FNB Stadium should be no different.
Forget about what happened in the Carling Black Label Cup – this one is the real thing.
After five draws in seven league matches, Chiefs coach Steve Komphela is sitting on the precipice at Chiefs, while Eric Tinkler’s Orlando Pirates are not safe either, after yet another defeat on Wednesday.
This will be Komphela’s first official derby, and he said he wanted to make it a memorable one.
Tinkler said his mind was not on the derby because there were games to deal with before the big Saturday match.
Tactics
While Chiefs have been deploying the straightforward 4-4-2 with Edward Manqele and Camaldine Abraw as their preferred pair upfront, Pirates have used the 4-4-1-1.
Komphela has been consistent in his selection and is not expected to fiddle with his starting 11. But the same cannot be said about Tinkler, who has been experimenting in almost every department in most of his team’s games, and it is difficult to predict which team will pitch on Saturday.
Injuries
Pirates have been rocked by injuries to influential players – captain Oupa Manyisa, Sifiso Myeni and goalkeeper Brighton Mhlongo have all played crucial roles in the derby. Chiefs will be without David Zulu and Daniel Cardoso.
Form
Current form usually does not play a role in the derby and, with the teams not doing well, it is hard to see who will be triumphant.
Both teams go into the derby on the back foot, with poor results.
While Chiefs boast only two victories and are yet to lose after seven games, they have conceded the lowest number of goals (4). Pirates, on the other hand, have only one victory to show. They have lost three and played to two draws.
Derby newcomers
Steve Komphela
He may have donned the famous gold and black Amakhosi jersey during his playing days, but he never played in a Soweto derby. He was on the bench during the Carling Black Label Cup, and this will be his first official derby.
Edward Manqele
After introducing himself with a bang at Free State Stars a few seasons ago, the striker went off the boil with Mamelodi Sundowns, Moroka Swallows and Chippa United. But he seems to be on his way to rediscovering the same form and fitness that made him hot property in the 2011/12 season.
Camaldine Abraw
After his off-season move to Amakhosi, which was marred by controversy after he signed for Bloemfontein Celtic first, a lot was expected from the Togolese international striker, but he has yet to show his potential.
Felipe Ovono
His howler might have gifted Bidvest Wits three points this week, but the Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper has already proved his worth as Bucs’ last line of defence.
Playing in the biggest game in the country will require nerves of steel, and Ovono will need to be at his best to win the hearts of the hard-to-please Bucs supporters.
Roger Majafa
The 25-year-old midfielder has shown signs of brilliance in the few games in which he has featured for Pirates. He has already endeared himself to the Bucs faithful with his passes. However, he hasn’t played on a bigger stage than the derby.
Menzi Masuku
A lot is expected from this youngster despite the fact that he has not hit the heights he did when he broke into the first team towards the end of last season. He has often been thrown into the deep end and found wanting
