25 October 2018, by: Thabang Kgeledi

PREDICTING THE BEST SOWETO DERBY IN SOME TIME

Thabang Kgeledi is predicting one of the best Soweto Derby games in some time – he’s here to explain why…

Kaizer Chiefs are at home against Orlando Pirates in another instalment of the Soweto derby. This game was, once upon a time, the most exciting game on the calendar. Nowadays it has turned into a social affair at bars and a sleeping pill at home.

Next Kaizer Chiefs Match: Orlando Pirates vs. Kaizer Chiefs, Saturday 27 October 2018, FNB Stadium, 15h30. Tickets are SOLD OUT. #HailTheChief #Amakhosi4Life #SowetoDerby pic.twitter.com/vbNAmI4DEu

— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) October 24, 2018

In recent years, the Soweto derby has produced quite a few draws, very few goals, and the excitement of a 5-day test match(no offence to the cricket lovers).

Kaizer Chiefs legend Neil Tovey had his take on the Soweto derby “…it seems a little bit of the bite has been taken out of – I don’t know why”

Yes, the game’s shine has dimmed in the last decade.

However…

There is always a chance for Soweto derby to recover its former glory, and it begins Saturday. Here are reasons this weekend’s Soweto derby will be the best we’ve seen in a while.

Rhulani Mokwena had some interesting words when asked about Kaizer Chiefs coach Giovanni Solinas.

“…losing Steve Komphela was a big loss for Chiefs from a technical perspective and the type of leader that he is as well as the tactical acumen that he possesses.”

Translation: “Giovanni Solinas doesn’t know what he is doing.”

Are these mind games being played by Rhulani Mokwena to mess with Kaizer Chiefs as suggest by both Giovanni Solinas and Itumeleng Khune? Or was he being honest?

Whatever it is, I love it! The somewhat snide comments add cayenne pepper to an already spicy affair.

Coach Rulani Mokwena has reignited some excitement into the Soweto derby and I love it!! We are tired of “the spirit is fine in the camp” and the tried and tested “we respect Kaizer Chiefs/Orlando Pirates” nonsense. He’s got all of us talking!! Thank you coach @coach_rulani — Mninawa Ntloko (@ntlokom) October 24, 2018

Kaizer Chiefs coach Giovanni Solinas and Orlando Pirates coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojević love playing on the front foot. Both sides have found it difficult scoring against teams who ‘parked the bus’ this season. Expect free-flowing football from two attacking teams.

Micho says they have the highest degree of respect for Chiefs.
Someone go fetch @coach_rulani please! #SowetoDerby

— Mazola J. Molefe (@superjourno) October 24, 2018

Orlando Pirates are in the second position with 16 and Kaizer Chiefs are in third with 14 points respectively. A result, either way, will be a boost in their Absa Premiership exploits.

Downs sitting on the 7th spot with 11 points having played 7 games Pirates occupying the 2nd spot with 16 points after 10 games Kaizer Chiefs on the 3rd spot with 14 points after 10 games ? — Gaopalelwe™ (@Gaopalelwe08) October 7, 2018

Namely Vincent Pule and Khama Billiat.

The two players are the best performing attacking players in the league this season.

Vincent Pule hardly had a kick at Bidvest Wits, now, is the best player for a title contender. He’s scored his four goals in the last six games for Orlando Pirates.

MR SEPTEMBER: PULE TAKES IT ALL

Vincent Pule has dominated the month as he claimed both the LG Player and Ford Goal of the Month awards for the month of September.@BucsSupporters pic.twitter.com/LjL63nuAJd

— Orlando Pirates (@BucsSupporters) October 18, 2018

Khama Billiat is a question mark for Saturday’s game because of a back injury he sustained during the international break. Kaizer Chiefs say he most probably will be available for Saturday’s game and they need him.

Billiat has already racked up five goals in 13 appearances in Kaizer Chiefs colours.

This Khama Billiat, Footballer of the Season material? I think so. — Mazola J. Molefe (@superjourno) September 15, 2018

BET: SOWETO DERBY