There have been more hyped up and anticipated derbies than today’s Absa Premiership fixture between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium.But if organisers are to be believed, and tickets are almost sold-out at the 94000-capacity World Cup final venue, then that shows the public have not lost their appetite for the Soweto derby despite the unconvincing form of the two teams.
To be fair to one of the teams, unconvincing is a strong word for a Chiefs side in fourth place and on just two defeats – even if one of those losses came last weekend, a 2-1 defeat to Platinum Stars.
Amakhosi have reached an impressive two cup finals but lost 1-0 to Ajax Cape Town in the MTN8, and 3-1 to Mamelodi Sundowns in the Telkom Knockout.
Chiefs were also outplayed by a 3-1 scoreline in the previous league derby against Pirates.
The following week, Chiefs recovered well – though largely resorted to stopping Bucs from playing – in a Telkom semifinal victory achieved via penalties after a goalless draw.
Pirates, on the other hand, have been convincingly unconvincing, and are in 11th place.
Their last two results have been their worst – drawing 3-3 away against last-placed Maritzburg United then losing 1-0 to third-last Jomo Cosmos in Potchefstroom.
Pirates’ coach Eric Tinkler vowed again this week, after receiving public and private support from Pirates’ chairman Irvin Khoza, he would not entertain standing down.
“There’s obviously a lot of pressure that mounts on me and the players, which makes it more difficult for the players to express themselves,” the coach said.
“But I believe one result will change that. And while I continue to believe that will happen, and the players continue to believe in me, I will remain in the job.”
Bucs have injuries to Lehlogonolo Masalesa, Happy Jele and Siyabonga Sangweni, while right-back Ntsikelelo Nyauza returns from suspension.
Chiefs have a relatively injury-free squad available.
Tinkler identified Siphiwe Tshabalala – the most-capped player in Soweto derbies in the PSL era – as Chiefs’ danger man.
“The first game against them this season they were the better side and played good football. We learnt a lot from that,” Tshabalala said
“Coming to this game everyone is working hard. The coach has a good headache in terms of who to select, and I’m anticipating a good game of football.”
No stopping Soweto derby
But if organisers are to be believed, and tickets are almost sold-out at the 94000-capacity World Cup final venue, then that shows the public have not lost their appetite for the Soweto derby despite the unconvincing form of the two teams.
To be fair to one of the teams, unconvincing is a strong word for a Chiefs side in fourth place and on just two defeats – even if one of those losses came last weekend, a 2-1 defeat to Platinum Stars.
Amakhosi have reached an impressive two cup finals but lost 1-0 to Ajax Cape Town in the MTN8, and 3-1 to Mamelodi Sundowns in the Telkom Knockout.
Chiefs were also outplayed by a 3-1 scoreline in the previous league derby against Pirates.
The following week, Chiefs recovered well – though largely resorted to stopping Bucs from playing – in a Telkom semifinal victory achieved via penalties after a goalless draw.
Pirates, on the other hand, have been convincingly unconvincing, and are in 11th place.
Their last two results have been their worst – drawing 3-3 away against last-placed Maritzburg United then losing 1-0 to third-last Jomo Cosmos in Potchefstroom.
Pirates’ coach Eric Tinkler vowed again this week, after receiving public and private support from Pirates’ chairman Irvin Khoza, he would not entertain standing down.
“There’s obviously a lot of pressure that mounts on me and the players, which makes it more difficult for the players to express themselves,” the coach said.
“But I believe one result will change that. And while I continue to believe that will happen, and the players continue to believe in me, I will remain in the job.”
Bucs have injuries to Lehlogonolo Masalesa, Happy Jele and Siyabonga Sangweni, while right-back Ntsikelelo Nyauza returns from suspension.
Chiefs have a relatively injury-free squad available.
Tinkler identified Siphiwe Tshabalala – the most-capped player in Soweto derbies in the PSL era – as Chiefs’ danger man.
“The first game against them this season they were the better side and played good football. We learnt a lot from that,” Tshabalala said
“Coming to this game everyone is working hard. The coach has a good headache in terms of who to select, and I’m anticipating a good game of football.”
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