Another Soweto derby is upon as since Orlando Pirates smashed Kaizer Chiefs 3-0 in late February, with Tshepang Moremi, Oswin Appollis and Evidence Makgopa finding the net.
The Buccaneers come into the battle as the log leaders with 58 points, while Amakhosi sit third with 46 points.
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STARTING LINE UPS TO EXPECT
The Sea Robbers confirmed Sihle Nduli and Thapelo Xoki will remain out injured for this game. Amakhosi will also be missing Rushwin Dortley.
Orlando Pirates’ expected starting line up: Goalkeeper: Sipho Chaine, Right back: Kamohelo Sebelebele, Central defender: Nkosinathi Sibisi, Central defender: Lebone Seema, Left back: Deon Hotto, Central Midfielder: Makheheleni Makhaula, Central Midfielder: Masindi Nemtajela, Right Winger: Tshepang Moremi, Left Winger: Oswin Appollis, Attacking Midfielder: Relebohile Mofokeng, Striker: Tshepang Moremi.
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PREVIEWS FROM KAIZER CHIEFS AND ORLANDO PIRATES COACHES
Amakhosi coach Khalil Ben Youssef has downplayed the importance of the upcoming Soweto derby against Orlando Pirates, saying it will not define their season.
Speaking ahead of the match, Ben Youssef said the result will carry the same weight as any other league fixture.
“It’s only three points,” Ben Youssef told journalists. “If we beat Orlando Pirates, will they give us the title or six points? It won’t change anything major.
“For us, it’s just a league game. Yes, it’s the derby, there will be one team in Soweto, us or them. But it’s still a league game. Our target has been clear from the first day of the season: we will take each game as it comes.
“We don’t have to change our targets by winning one game and start discussing winning the league. Or lose one game and start destroying everything,” the Kaizer Chiefs mentor added.
ORLANDO PIRATES COACH ABDESLAM OUADDOU
Ouaddou has called on supporters to continue backing the team as they approach a crucial stage of the season. The Moroccan thanked the club’s fans for their support so far and urged them to stay behind the team.
“My message is just to thank them (fans), thank them first of all, since the beginning of this season. I know there is an important moment they are looking for. I just ask them to be behind us wherever we go in South Africa,” Ouaddou told journalists.
“Our fans are always with us, so we’re expecting the same during that game. And I know that the stadium will be packed and to be 100% with us because you know, for my players, when they feel the support, when they feel the love of our supporters, our fans, you know, they can feel it on the pitch, and they feel free to compete.”
Ouaddou said players can be affected by pressure from the stands, explaining that when supporters boo, it creates stress because they are human and feel the impact mentally, making fan support important in helping the team reach its target.
He added that with five games remaining, the team will continue to fight until the very end, stressing that his players have shown strong fighting spirit throughout the season and will keep pushing until the last minute of the campaign.
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE TWO COACHES’ COMMENTS?
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