Derby fever hits Soweto

It's that time again in South Africa where football will divide the nation while the rest of the world will be watching, as Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs lock horns in tomorrow's Soweto Derby at the FNB Stadium.

 

The 152nd derby has been characterised by some off-field wrangling, with two former Amakhosi darlings now finding themselves in the Buccaneers' camp.

 

Much like the Manchester clubs in the English Premiership and the two Spanish giants in the La Liga, it has almost been an unwritten law that players hop between the two bitter rivals on the transfer market.

 

Striker Letlhogonolo Majoro will play in his first derby in the famous black and white after his acrimonious exit from Chiefs Joining him in enemy camp is coach Vladimir Vermezovic.

 

Vermezovic was in charge of the Naturena-based outfit for three seasons before parting ways in 2011.

 

The Serb made a surprise return to South Africa to take over the reins at Pirates as a result of Roger De Sa's resignation at the end of the January.

 

The boo-boys at the gold and black Amakhosi end of the majestic FNB Stadium will definitely be on Majoro's back with every touch of the ball and for Vermezovic, he will want to prove a point to his former employees with derby win.

 

The Phefeni Boys will be without influential captain Itumeleng Khune. Bafana Bafana's first choice keeper sustained an ankle injury two weeks ago.

 

His absence could be prove detrimental in the defending champion's quest to claim maximum points to forge further ahead at the top of the Absa Premiership table.

 

On the other hand, Pirates will welcome back the duo of Rooi Mahamutsa and Siyabonga Sangweni after both of them recovered from lengthy injury lay-offs, with the latter facing a late fitness test.

 

Both teams come into the match with contrasting results, The Ghosts recorded a hard-fought win over old rivals Moroka Swallows in the original Soweto Derby on Wednesday.

 

Stuart Baxter's charges stuttered to a 2-0 defeat to Platinum Stars in midweek to give a glimmer of hope to the chasing pack in the run-in for the league title.

 

Chiefs come into the game on 43 points from 20 games, while Pirates are on fourth with 33 points and a game to spare over their bitter-rivals.

 

The match ended in a 1-all draw the last time the two giants met. Kermit Eramus opened the scoring before Kingston Nkhathta levelled matters to give his side a point.

 

Vermezovic is looking forward to his first bow in Pirates colours against his former club, "I know what this game mean. I hope in front of a full crowd, we make a good game out of it because the people of SA deserve it."

 

His counterpart Baxter reckons a win for his side could bring Pirates' title chances to a premature end.

 

"A win for us would be massive because it could dash a lot of club's tittle ambitions. it would also stretch the lead for Pirates to an almost impossible level. it's important for us to gain some momentum in the run-in."

 

Tickets are sold out for the much anticipated clash and fans are urged not to attempt to park anywhere near the venue. Kick off is at 15:30

 

JacaSport