Orlando Pirates will be aiming to recover quickly as they prepare for a high-stakes Soweto Derby clash with Kaizer Chiefs. This comes after their Champions League dreams were dashed in Cairo.
Expected Pirates Line-Up vs Chiefs
Chaine; Van Rooyen, Sibisi, Mbokazi, Hotto; Makhaula, Mbatha; Nkota, Maswanganyi, Mofokeng; Mabasa.
Patrick Maswanganyi could return to the starting eleven, potentially prompting coach José Riveiro to shift back to a familiar back four—meaning Tapelo Xoki might drop to the bench. Up front, Tshegofatso Mabasa is expected to lead the line, especially in league action.
Double Derby Drama Awaits
All eyes will be on the Betway Premiership showdown this Saturday, 3 May at 15:00, when these fierce Soweto rivals meet. Just a week later, on 10 May, they’ll lock horns again in the Nedbank Cup final—another 15:00 kickoff. It’s a critical two-week stretch that could define the season for both sides.
Heartbreak in Cairo
The Buccaneers suffered a painful 3-2 loss to Pyramids FC in Cairo during the CAF Champions League semifinal second leg. Although they already lifted the MTN8 trophy earlier this season, their ambitions of conquering Africa will have to wait. They’re still mathematically in the title race, trailing by nine points with two games in hand, and the Nedbank Cup final presents another shot at glory. Still, the defeat stings.
Mdu’s Secret Loyalty
Kaizer Chiefs youngster Mduduzi Shabalala made a surprising confession—he grew up an Orlando Pirates fan. But now, the 20-year-old is fully committed to the Gold & Black, saying he’ll “die a Chiefs fan.” He’s played 25 league matches this season, scoring four goals and providing one assist, proving just how vital he’s become for the Amakhosi.
