It’s all systems go for the Soweto derby between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates at the FNB stadium in Soweto on Saturday.
Both teams come to the sold-out derby after registering good performances in their previous matches and only separated by six points.
This will be Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi’s first Soweto derby, while it’ll be the sixth for Pirates mentor, José Riveiro.
Pirates hold the upper hand, as their second in the log with 27 points from 11 matches, while Chiefs are on fifth position with 21 points from 14 games.
Amakhosi are happy to welcome Nabi on the bench, after a two-match suspension.
The Glamour Boys were however dealt a heavy blow after the in-form player Wandile Duba was ruled out of the match due to an injury.
Duba has been instrumental in the Chiefs recent resurrection, scoring four goals and contributed one assist.
“He will definitely be out.
According to our medical team, he will be out for six weeks.
It is a knee injury, and we wish him a speedy recovery,” said Nabi.
For its part, Pirates head to the derby as favourites and will be hoping to continue their domination of its arch-rival.
Riveiro acknowledged that despite few hiccups, Chiefs has improved its performance this season.
“I think Chiefs are playing well this season.
I don’t think that the log is a reflection of Chiefs performances in the league so far, if I am honest.
They’re creating a lot of chances in each game.
They’re playing attractive football and that’s the same thing we are trying to do at Pirates,” remarked Riveiro.
The match will kick-off at 15:30, and organisers have urged fans to come early to the stadium to avoid the delay of the match.
