It’s that time again, when everything around us comes to a halt and football fans from all over Africa focus on the biggest game on the African continent.

A time when the newspapers are littered with past photos, articles and true memories of what South African soccer is all about, it’s the Orlando Pirates vs Kaizer Chiefs Soweto derby. Rated as one of the the top 10 derbies in the world it definitely is a must for football lovers and those who appreciate real passion and exhilarating atmospheres.

Pirates have the upper hand winning the derby 1- 0 the last time these teams met with young Joseph Makhanya scoring the decisive winner in the 51st minute. The Mighty Bucs come off a good 3- 0 win against Dynamos. Chiefs on the other hand were held to a 2-2 draw at home, denting their 100% record in a somewhat disappointing display in a game where all three points were there for the taking.

Amakhosi will be without player of the season Tinashe Nengomasha, a huge setback yet it will open up doors for young Derrick Spencer to prove he can hold his own at the very top.

Two of the leagues leading goalscorers out of the top four are Orlando Pirates players; Tyren Arendse has five goals to date will be looking to increase his formidable tally. Midfielder Gift Leremi is hot on his heels with a massive four goals, a substantial amount for a midfielder.

The Naturena-based outfit have the young striking sensation Collins Mbesuma in at third place with four goals and John Moshoeu with three goals, an impressive amount considering they have only played four games in the league as opposed to their hosts who have played eight.

The game will be a gritty contest where both teams fight for more than just the three points but for pride, respect and an opportunity to be Soweto’s top team until they meet again.

There will be no love lost when they meet on Saturday.

Key Players:

Orlando Pirates: Tyren Arendse – He has been the surprise package of the season. Many people knew he was a qualityplayer, but he has completely outdone himself proving to the Pirate fans that he is an invaluable member of the squad. Arendse wasted no time in winning over the fans approval; he is now a firm favourite.

Kaizer Chiefs: Collins Mbesuma – He has played exceptionally well this season, scoring four goals in four League games. The massive striker is a force to be reckoned with and Pirates will have to do something special to halt the burly striker. Mbesuma is firmly focused on winning this all important derby game.

Coaches:


Orlando Pirates: Kostadin Papic


Kaizer Chiefs: Ted Dumitru

Last Results:

Orlando Pirates:  



11/09/04	Black Leopards 2-3 Orlando Pirates		(A)



22/09/04	Orlando Pirates 6- 0 Ajax Cape Town		(H)



26/09/04	Moroka Swallows 2-2 Orlando Pirates		(A)



13/10/04	Orlando Pirates 1-1 Bloem Celtic		(H)



17/10/04	Dynamos 0-3 Orlando Pirates		         (A)



Kaizer Chiefs: 



07/08/04	Dynamos 1-4 Kaizer Chiefs			(A)



28/08/04	Kaizer Chiefs 3-0 Manning Rangers		(H)



11/09/04	Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 Silver Stars		(H)



16/10/04	Kaizer Chiefs 2-2 Bush Bucks		(H)

Probable Line-ups:

Orlando Pirates: Stemmer, Tau, Lekgwathi, Khomane, Netshodwe, Dinha, Lekoelea, Leremi, Vilakazi, Mothibi, Arendse

Kaizer Chiefs: Fernandez, Nzama, Mabedi, McCarthy, Mkhonza, Ngobese, Mooki, Spencer, Zwane, Moshoeu, Mbesuma