Kaizer Chiefs will need their attacking midfielders to be at their best against a settled Orlando Pirates defence. Who wins the Soweto Derby?
Hotto will have his hands full in the Soweto Derby
The evergreen, versatile talents of 34-year-old Deon Hotto Kavendji aren’t lost on the Pirates supporters. The Namibian utility star always delivers what his manager wants and does so in several positions. Mostly utilized on the left-hand side of the defence in recent years after cutting his teeth as a left winger, Hotto has also been deployed in a right-sided attacking role in Caf Champions League clashes this term. The ultimate ‘Swiss Army Knife’ player, Hotto will be key to Pirates’ chances of success on Derby Day. Vast experience counts for a lot on these grand occasions. His opposite number in the derby, in all likelihood, will be exciting youngster Mfundo Vilakazi. It’s a battle to watch closely. Vilakazi, the 19-year-old affectionately known as ‘Obrigado’ would love to step up to the plate in the absence of the unfortunately injured Wandile Duba.
New players must wait for Kaizer Chiefs debuts
Anther candidate for a slot on the right-hand side of the attack is new man Glody Lilepo. The 27-year-old Congolese star is awaiting a work permit and if it doesn’t materialise in time, his Chiefs bow will have to wait. Against Free Agents in the Nedbank Cup, coach Nasreddine Nabi deployed Vilakazi in that role, with Pule Mmodi scoring a brace from the left-hand side. Both players have a strong chance to start the derby. Meanwhile, the almost-forgotten favourite Nkosingiphile Ngcobo operated in a withdrawn central midfield role in that clash. He’s likelier to be on the bench against the Buccaneers though.
The impressive Mduduzi Shabalala will continue to pull the strings in his new number 10 role.
Recent H2H data leans in favour of Pirates
Pirates have held the upper hand in recent meetings between these great rivals. The Buccaneers have won the last three meetings across all competitions, including each of the last two in the league, most recently that 3-2 success for the Sea Robbers in March 2024 with Monnapule Saleng bagging a double. That stopped a curious and somewhat surprising run of five consecutive wins for Chiefs in Soweto Derby league clashes with the Sea Robbers. These rivals lock horns again on Saturday 01 February at Orlando Stadium from 15:30. We wouldn’t want you to miss it for the world.
Can Hotto contain the threats posed by Chiefs’ right-hand side?
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