Historic Soweto derby Kaizer Chiefs vs Orlando Pirates
Pirates have largely dominated Chiefs since 2014, but it is Chiefs who are in front in the league race.
The Soweto derby will mark 50 years since the first derby between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.
Both are well placed in the Absa PSL standings, Chiefs are topping the league while Pirates are four points adrift. Chiefs won the five-goal derby thriller in November 2019, but on February 29, it is even more piquancy given that it is the new decade and could have a major bearing on the title chase.
Pirates have largely dominated Chiefs since 2014, but it is Chiefs who are in front in the league race.
Ernst Middendorp has never lost in the Soweto derby since his first stint as Chiefs coach back in 2005. This, too, is the first such derby that will have two German coaches seated opposite each other on the benches.
“It is the first time that Kaizer Chiefs are in this position in five years. We must thrust the players to go out and play their game on the pitch on Saturday,” said Middendorp, “It’s not about the two German coaches, it’s about the two teams and the players.”
Orlando Pirates coach Josef Zinnbauer said, “I can see the hunger in my players’ eyes, they just want to go out there and play. So I have to keep them contained so that they will be ready on Saturday.”
And few can boast more experience than Happy Jele, the Pirates captain, who has played the second most Soweto derbies in history (24), three behind Chiefs legend Itumeleng Khune.
The gates will be open at 11.30am and the action will start at FNB Stadium at 3pm.
