Orlando Pirates welcome Kaizer Chiefs for this weekend’s electrifying classic Soweto Derby on Saturday the 3rd of March.
This is it – the biggest, most intense, and eagerly awaited game of the season! Yes, you guessed it right! It’s the final Soweto Derby of the league campaign between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs. Unlike previous matchups, when the prize was just bragging rights, this time both teams are eyeing the title, making this derby one of the most crucial in recent memory.
For Pirates, it’s all about stretching the gap between them and Chiefs, while Amakhosi are keen to leap ahead into second place. Coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic has reignited the Ghost Ship with magical form, while Steve Komphela, despite criticism, leads the only unbeaten team since 2018 began.
ABSA Premiership
Saturday 3 March
FNB Stadium
Kick-off: 15:30
Match Winner (80 mins)
Orlando Pirates: 17/10
Draw: 18/10
Kaizer Chiefs: 18/10
Orlando Pirates
Pirates are chasing their fourth consecutive win across all competitions against their local adversaries, Kaizer Chiefs, at the iconic FNB Stadium this Saturday. This recent streak showcases some of their finest football performances.
Credit goes to coach Micho and assistant Rhulani Mokwena, who have brought fresh energy and tactical shrewdness, outsmarting rivals at every turn. Micho boasts experience from major derbies across Africa, including Uganda, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Sudan, making him no stranger to high-pressure games.
This derby is unlike most in South Africa; it’s fiercely contested with many games ending in draws recently, including the last three consecutive matches.
Justin Shonga, in hot scoring form, reflects on his first Soweto Derby experience and fondly remembers the days when fellow Zambians Isaac Chansa and Collins Mbesuma graced the fixture.
“The derby is huge worldwide. I started paying attention when Chansa & Mbesuma played. As Zambians, we felt proud watching them in such massive games,” Shonga shared.
“We’re focused on getting the right result overall, not just the derby – for our fans and the badge,” he concluded.
While some call the derby low-scoring and dull, Shonga’s form gives Pirates fans hope he’ll lead them to victory.
Kaizer Chiefs
Despite Pirates’ fantastic run, this may be the most challenging moment to face Kaizer Chiefs. The Glamour Boys are known for defying odds, always finding ways to win when least expected.
Earlier this season against title favourites Mamelodi Sundowns, many doubted Chiefs, expecting a one-sided affair. Yet they surprised many, proving their mettle, a pattern proven true by our match predictions involving Chiefs.
Steve Komphela, often criticised like referee Victor Gomes, uses matches like these strategically. Although he hinted at an attacking game, it’s likely mind games in play.
“Both teams will be very offensive,” Komphela said.
“The pressing will be intense, possibly chaotic. Whoever has the ball will be pressed sharply, and once possession is lost, the chase continues. Space and time will be at a premium,” he added.
Chiefs have the talent and quality to attack, but their 3-4-3 formation indicates a more tactical, counter-attacking approach. Fast breaks will be key, and goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune is pivotal. The 30-year-old has been outstanding this season and a contender for the PSL Player of the Season award.
Khune’s distribution often sparks Chiefs’ attacks, and he boasts the best defensive record in the ABSA Premiership. He has kept multiple clean sheets against Pirates, and another would extend Chiefs’ unbeaten streak to 11 matches in all competitions.
Prediction: Ryan Moon to Score First & Chiefs to Win at 8/1 odds*
Chiefs shine brightest as underdogs. Confident in my prediction again, I back Ryan Moon to net the opener and Kaizer Chiefs to clinch this thrilling encounter at an exciting 8/1!*
