Orlando Pirates have several exciting young players who can damage Kaizer Chiefs but one of the older heads will be key on Soweto Derby Day.
Hotto never lets you down
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.
Sibisi, and Chaine return to bolster the Orlando Pirates back five
In Pirates’ relatively comfortable 3-1 win at Richards Bay in the Nedbank Cup, regular number one goalkeeper Sipho Chaine wasn’t risked. He’s one booking away from a suspension so Pirates clearly had one eye on the Soweto Derby in this regard. Nkosinathi Sibisi missed the clash at Bay through suspension but he should return against Kaizer Chiefs in place of Tapelo Xoki.
Kaizer Chiefs could give R9.6 million man Lilepo a debut
Cele is severely lacking match sharpness after playing his last competitive outing in November. He’ll need a couple of weeks to accustom himself to the pace of South African football. Meanwhile, Morris is suspended after a dismissal in his last outing for SuperSport. He sat out the Free Agents clash in the Nedbank Cup and must sit out one more match. Glody Lilepo has the best chance of the three to start the Soweto Derby but that hinges on the Congolese star getting a work permit approved.
Soweto Derby H2H stats
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.
Will Pirates prevail in the latest Soweto Derby?
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