5 Players Who Could Revive Their Careers In The Soweto Derby

The Buccaneers and Amakhosi will lock horns at FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon in a Soweto Derby with a 90-thousand-capacity crowd expected to grace the occasion. With both teams still in the quest for Caf Champions League spots, both sets of players will look to contribute in this huge match-up and possibly form part of the starting 11 for the rest of the season.

Here we look at five players who could revive their careers in the Soweto derby:

5. Njabulo Ngcobo (Kaizer Chiefs)

The 2021-22 PSL Defender of the Season is having a tough season at Chiefs so far, hardly featured under Chiefs coach Arthur Zwane’s team with his frustrations visible on several occasions. Njabulo Ngcobo has been played in an unfamiliar central defensive midfield position in the few appearances he had made this season and will hope for a look-in at center-back as Chiefs’ defensive struggles continue as they are coming from a 3-2 defeat over the weekend to Golden Arrows

4. Phathutshedzo Nange (Kaizer Chiefs)

Phathutshedzo Nange’s drop down the pecking order of Chiefs’ central midfielders has been a topic of great interest as Zwane looks to establish his most trusted men in the middle of the park. The 31-year-old has made just four appearances for the Chiefs this season, three of them as a substitute, however, his experience in Soweto derbies might give him the nod over the likes of Siyethemba Sithebe and Samkelo Zwane.

3. Ben Motshwari (Orlando Pirates)

Ben Motshwari, one of Pirates’ most consistent performers over the years seems to not have impressed coach Jose Riveiro hence his absence from the team for a while. After making two substitute appearances in the last four games, it is not far-fetched he would want to make an impression if he made it onto the pitch against Chiefs.

2. Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates)

Evidence Makgopa’s arrival at Pirates was one of the most exciting signings at the beginning of the season, following his potential and form with Baroka FC and Bafana Bafana. Apart from injury, Makgopa has failed to force himself into the starting 11 at Piraets with a few substitute appearances, however, a goal in the derby might be the blockbuster and confidence booster he needs.

1. Thabani Dube (Kaizer Chiefs)

It will be interesting to see whether Zwane opts to keep Thabani Dubein in his starting 11, despite Chiefs conceding three goals against Golden Arrows at the weekend. The 30-year-old played his first game of the season against Arrows, and if he can follow that up with a strong performance against Pirates, Dube will not only earn the trust of Zwane but of the Chiefs faithful as well.