Share

SA gears up for Soweto derby

Cape Town - The stage is set for the first Soweto derby of the season and Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates will meet at the FNB Stadium in the fifth ever Carling Black label Cup on Saturday afternoon. 

Kick-off is at 15:30 and the game has been sold out for two weeks already. 

The format of the Black Label Cup divides public opinion in that fans of the country's two biggest clubs are tasked with choosing the starting line-ups via text message. 

In addition to that, two lucky winners are elected to serve as 'managers' on the day, meaning that the roles of Eric Tinkler and new Chiefs boss Steve Komphela are completely minimised.  

But while the match ultimately serves as the final bit of pre-season preparation for the sides, there is no such thing as a 'friendly' clash between Chiefs and Pirates. 

Bucs go into the match as slight favourites due to the fact that their season has already started - they have been playing in the CAF Confederation Cup. Bucs have also won three of the previous four editions of the showpiece. 

Former Bafana Bafana defender Matthew Booth is another who believes that Tinkler's charges will have enough to get over the line. 

“Pirates have played more competitive (in Africa) of late and so should be sharper and more match fit,” he told Sport24 on Saturday. 

Booth added that Thami Gabuza, who was a late replacement for the injured Kermit Erasmus, would be a major player for Pirates. 

“Gabuza will give something different to Pirates and is a capable replacement for Erasmus.”

Teams:


We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2251 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE