Dubbed one of the biggest football fixtures on the African continent, the Soweto Derby sees Orlando Pirates take on old rivals Kaizer Chiefs in a highly anticipated showdown.
The sold-out clash takes place at the iconic FNB Stadium, which holds more than 90,000 supporters, on Saturday afternoon. However, both teams arrive under pressure after disappointing recent results.
Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou watched his side exit the Nedbank Cup last weekend after a shock defeat to Casric Stars. Meanwhile, the Glamour Boys suffered a 2-1 loss to Stellenbosch FC at the same venue earlier this week.
With Mamelodi Sundowns pushing Pirates off the top of the Betway Premiership table, the Buccaneers must respond to keep their title ambitions alive. A victory would return them to the summit. Yet Chiefs, who sit fourth with 30 points from 16 matches, will aim to upset their rivals in this crucial Soweto Derby.
Kaizer Chiefs coach Khalil Ben Youssef admitted his side must take responsibility after their recent setback.
The Glamour Boys opened the scoring through Flavio Silva. However, defensive lapses allowed Langelihle Phili to equalise before Devon Titus struck late to seal victory for Stellenbosch.
“We dominated the first half, and we didn’t kill the game,” Youssef said. “We conceded early in the second half. We have to take responsibility and analyse our mistakes.”
He apologised to supporters and urged his players to respond quickly. “We have three days to prepare for the next game. In a few days, it’s the Soweto Derby. We must focus on that now and continue to work hard.”
Youssef also emphasised the importance of mentality. “When you win, don’t celebrate too much. When you lose, don’t be too sad. Keep working.”
Despite back-to-back defeats, Ouaddou insists Pirates remain firmly in the Betway Premiership title race. Pirates and Sundowns both sit on 38 points after 17 matches.
However, Miguel Cardoso’s men lead on goal difference as they chase a ninth successive league title. “We still have 13 finals coming,” Ouaddou said, referring to the remaining fixtures. “Nothing is lost in the title race.”
The former Morocco defender reminded his players how they recovered earlier this season. After opening defeats to Sekhukhune United and Marumo Gallants, Pirates responded with 11 consecutive victories.
“That’s what we must do again,” he added.
Ouaddou also hinted at possible changes to his starting XI. “We will prepare as usual. However, we will go deeper in our analysis. We must choose the right line-up because we need points,” he said.
He admitted the Nedbank Cup exit disappointed both players and supporters but stressed the need to move forward quickly. While the spotlight remains on the Soweto Derby, Mamelodi Sundowns continue to apply pressure at the top.
The defending champions secured a late win against AmaZulu, with Marcelo Allende scoring the decisive goal. They now prepare to face Marumo Gallants at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
Sundowns will monitor the Soweto Derby closely. Any slip from Pirates could strengthen their grip on the title race.
