Key areas where the derby battle could be won, lost

Tomorrow’s 166th Soweto derby should be a fascinating spectacle, not least as the focus will firmly be on these key battles, as Tiyani Mabasa, Gomolemo Motshwane and Sihle Ndebele observe

Daniel Akpeyi (Chiefs)

New to the set-up at Naturena, the Nigerian international could be thrown into the deep end for his debut after joining from Chippa United. Akpeyi, 32, played 20 matches for the Chilli Boys this season and kept six clean sheets. Whether he’s up to the task if given the nod ahead of the erratic Virgil Vries, is anybody’s guess.

The Kaizer Chiefs defence will have to be alert to help him out in keeping the Orlando Pirates attackers at bay or risk exposing him to the free-scoring Pirates front men.

Wayne Sandilands (Bucs)

In late 2017, the ex- Sundowns shot-stopper featured in the derby just a few months after signing for the club and kept a clean sheet in the goalless draw.

But he’s not been able to keep it up, having fallen down the pecking order with Jackson Mabokgwane and Siyabonga Mpontshane exchanging the number one jersey. Sandilands, 34, was restored to the starting 11 in Bucs’s goalless draw against Esperance in Group B of the CAF Champions League last weekend for only his second match of the season.