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Chiefs & Pirates GFX GOAL
Dingizwe Gwala

Soweto Derby showdown: Orlando Pirates vs Kaizer Chiefs - Amakhosi look to thrive on underdog tag as Jose Riveiro & Nasreddine Nabi plot against each other

Join GOAL as we zoom into which players might play a major role in the Soweto Derby between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday.

Pirates head into the upcoming Soweto showdown as the clear favourites, looking to bag all three points against their fierce rivals. However, the Buccaneers are well aware that in the electric atmosphere of the Soweto Derby, form often takes a back seat. It's a game where sheer determination and grit can tip the scales, and time and again, it's been the so-called underdog who has emerged victorious even though head coach Nasreddine Nabi will be without most of his new players.

Kaizer Chiefs will undoubtedly draw strength from this unpredictable rivalry as they prepare to face the finely tuned juggernaut that is Pirates. Under the stewardship of head coach José Riveiro, the Buccaneers have been nearly flawless this season - claiming the MTN8, securing a spot in the Caf Champions League quarterfinals, and sitting comfortably in the top two of the PSL standings.

The real battle, however, lies in the tactical decisions of both coaches, with starting XI predictions already stirring debate. Who will field the strongest lineup? Join GOAL as we dive into the key players set to make their mark in this highly anticipated Soweto Derby between Pirates and Chiefs this Saturday.

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  • Gaston Sirino, Kaizer ChiefsBackpage

    Gaston Sirino a big influence

    When Gaston Sirino was at Mamelodi Sundowns, the legendary Alex "Goldfinger" Shakoane famously spoke about players like Tiyani Mabuda and Hlompho Kekana as the unsung heroes who “held the piano,” while players like Sirino and Themba Zwane brought the magic to life. In the world of football, that’s the balance between the hardworking, foundation-laying midfielders and the creative playmakers who make the game beautiful.

    For Sirino, playing with a strong midfield allows him to perform at his best. With the likes of Sibongiseni Mthethwa and Yusuf Maart tasked with marking Sirino and feeding him the ball, we can expect fireworks. But the challenge won’t be easy - Sirino will need space to dazzle and torment Pirates. The real intrigue, however, lies in the underdog mentality of Chiefs. Without the same pressure as Pirates, who are chasing the title, Amakhosi could capitalize on the tension surrounding their rivals. With all eyes on Pirates to win, this is a golden opportunity for Chiefs to make their mark. Nabi will need to outsmart Riveiro tactically to take advantage of this dynamic.

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  • Patrick Maswanganyi Orlando PiratesBackpagepix

    Patrick Maswanganyi's showboating

    When it comes to flair and skill in the PSL, Patrick Maswanganyi is undoubtedly one of the most gifted players around. However, his tendency to showboat has occasionally backfired - remember his recent misstep in a Nedbank Cup match against Richards Bay, where his tricks led to a dangerous turnover that almost cost Pirates a goal. In the heat of the Soweto Derby, Maswanganyi will need to exercise caution.

    While the crowd loves a good spectacle, the magnitude of this game demands that his flair is used strategically and at the right moments. Too much showboating could end in disaster, so Maswanganyi will need to balance entertainment with effectiveness to ensure he delivers when it matters most.

  • Ranga Chivaviro and Samkelo Zwane, Kaizer ChiefsBackpage

    Ranga Chivaviro's BMT, or lack thereof

    Ranga Chivaviro has yet to prove himself as a reliable match-winner for Chiefs. The former Marumo Gallants forward has struggled to live up to expectations, often displaying plenty of aggression but failing to convert his promise into consistent performances.

    With several of Chiefs' key attacking options unavailable for this clash, Chivaviro has a golden opportunity to step up and show that he has the temperament and composure for the big occasion. This Derby could be his moment to silence the critics and prove that he has what it takes to lead Amakhosi’s attack against their fiercest rivals.

    The pressure is on, and it’s time for Chivaviro to rise to the occasion. He once signaled that the Chiefs talk too much. It is time he puts his money where his mouth is.

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  • Kaizer Chiefs vs Free Agents FC, Nedbank Cup, January 2025.Kaizer Chiefs

    Underdog tag could be priceless

    Chiefs enter the Derby as the underdogs, and this could very well be where the game is decided. Being the underdog comes with its own unique advantage - there’s less to lose, and all the pressure is on the other team to deliver. For Pirates, who are in hot pursuit of Sundowns for the league title, this match holds immense significance.

    They can’t afford to slip up. On the other hand, Chiefs can play with a sense of freedom, unburdened by the same level of expectation. This lack of pressure could be the key to Amakhosi’s success. With the spotlight squarely on Pirates to assert their dominance, Chiefs have the perfect opportunity to turn the tables. It will be up to Nabi to find a way to outwit his counterpart, making this a tactical battle that could tip the scales in Amakhosi's favor.

  • Relebohile Mofokeng Orlando Pirates Mfundo Vilakazi Kaizer Chiefs GFXBackpagepix

    Derby yama 2000

    The Soweto Derby this weekend is going to be electric, especially with a fresh wave of talent taking center stage. This match marks the beginning of a new era in Mzansi football, with the likes of Mfundo Vilakazi, Samkelo Zwane, Mduduzi Shabalala, Mohau Nkota, and Relebohile Mofokeng showing us what the future of South African football looks like.

    These young stars are ready to shine, and Mofokeng, alongside Nkota, will be pivotal for Riveiro’s tactics, just as Vilakazi, Shabalala, and Zwane will play key roles for Nabi’s side. If these rising talents are in top form, we’re in for a thrilling Derby that will be shaped by their brilliance and impact.

  • Kaizer Chiefs fans celebrateBackpagepix

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