Orlando Pirates will be eager to get back on the horse after a devastating pair of results. Is this the XI to beat Kaizer Chiefs?
Not a good week for Orlando Pirates and Jose Riveiro
Orlando Pirates’ league title challenge looks to be in tatters after their 0-1 home defeat to Sekhukhune. It leaves them 12 points adrift of leaders Sundowns, albeit with two games in hand. Key defender Nkosinathi Sibisi will miss the clash with Chiefs after his red card against Babina Noko. It’s been a bad week for the Sea Robbers, who also tumbled out of the Caf Champions League at the semi-final stage.
Predicted Orlando Pirates XI vs Kaizer Chiefs
Chaine; Van Rooyen, Xoki, Mbokazi, Hotto; Makhaula, Mbatha; Nkota, Maswanganyi, Mofokeng; Mabasa.
We could see Patrick Maswanganyi return to the XI, allowing manager Riveiro to revert to a back four. Tapelo Xoki should deputise for the suspended Sibisi. Elsewhere, Tshegofatso Mabasa is often the first-choice attacker in domestic league outings.
Mduduzi Shabalala has a big secret
20-year-old Kaizer Chiefs attacker Mduduzi Shabalala revealed he grew up supporting Orlando Pirates but says now he will “die a Chiefs fan”. The young attacker has become a key operator Chiefs in the 2024-2025 campaign. He’s appeared 25 times in the league, with four goals and an assist.
When is the Soweto Derby?
These sworn Soweto Derby rivals meet in the Betway Premiership on Saturday, 03 May at 15:00. They meet again the following Saturday, 10 May in the Nedbank Cup final. That match also kicks off at 15:00. It’s crunch time!
Orlando Pirates dominate the recent H2H
Pirates sign the ‘Teenage Tau’
There are three new faces in Pirates training; one of those is 17-year-old Sibusiso Tau, who arrived from Emalahleni United in Mpumalanga. Simphiwe Selepe and DDC skipper Cemran Dansin are also training with the senior side. Baroka winger Kabelo Kgositsile will link up with the Sea Robbers next season.
Will Pirates beat Chiefs in the Derby?
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