Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates renew their rivalry in the DStv Premiership when they meet on Saturday, 25 February, for the second leg of the Soweto derby.
This is more than just a game of maximum points, as both teams play for the badge, pride and bragging rights.
The last time the two sides met, Chiefs walked away with the bragging rights, thanks to Yusuf Maart’s stunner near the middle of the pitch.
FARPost looks at six players who are likely to make an impact in the Soweto derby.
MONNAPULE SALENG
The speedy winger has been on form since he was given the nod early this season. Saleng has been a nightmare for defenders and goalkeepers, scoring goals and delivering assists.
His fine form in the league earned him his first-ever call to the national team. So far this season, the 24-year-old has made 16 appearances for the Bucs in all competitions. He has been directly involved in 13 goals, finding the net nine times and providing four assists.
THEMBINKOSI LORCH
The talented attacker is back in action after a lengthy injury that kept him on the sidelines. Upon his return, Lorch made an immediate impact against Cape Town Spurs in the Nedbank Cup, scoring a goal. In the current season, the Bafana international has made seven appearances in all competitions and scored one goal.
When playing against Amakhosi, the 29-year-old has always performed well. Since the 2018/19 season, Lorch has scored four goals and provided four assists.
PHILLIP NDLONDLO
The pint-sized midfielder hit the ground running with the Soweto giants in his debut season after making a switch from Marumo Gallants. Ndlondlo has been key in Pirates’ midfield. He has made 20 appearances in all competitions and scored three goals. However, he is still to provide an assist.
MDUDUZI SHABALALA
The Amakhosi academy graduate is in line to make his Soweto derby debut. Shabalala has adapted well to the senior team in his first season.
In the previous matches, Chiefs mentor Arthur Zwane preferred using the youngster in attack. The 19-year-old has made nine appearances so far this season and scored twice.
CHRISTIAN SAILE BASOMBOLI
The DR Congo striker is another Chiefs player in line to make a Soweto derby debut after sealing a move from Nchanga Rangers. Saile impressed in his first Amakhosi game; the 22-year-old was introduced as a substitute against Royal AM and provided an assist.
Basomboli was also on target as they defeated Maritzburg United in the Nedbank Cup Last 32.
BRANDON PETERSEN
The Amakhosi goalie is expected to be in between the sticks on Saturday. Petersen has displayed great performances whenever on the pitch. In the last game against Golden Arrows, Petersen had a good game despite conceding three goals, as the goals were not from goalkeeping mistakes.
So far this season, Petersen has made 10 appearances in all competitions, kept seven clean sheets and let in seven goals.
Kickoff at FNB Stadium is at 3:30pm.
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