Clash of Soweto titans to bring SA to standstill

THE biggest event in the local sporting calendar is upon us, and three points, which secures the town’s bragging rights, couldn’t be more crucial.

Traditional rivals Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates bring the country to a standstill whenever they face-off and that won't be different on Saturday, in spite of their trials and tribulations this season.

The Soweto giants will meet in the Dstv Premiership to fight for a win that could take them a step closer to an important milestone – a top two finish which will guarantee them Champions League football next season.

Chiefs and Pirates must settle for the No 2 spot and African qualifying after continuing to be second-best to juggernaut and defending league champions Mamelodi Sundowns, who are closing in on their sixth successive title.

The Sea Robbers will go into battle without coach Jose Riveiro, however, who’ll serve his second and final suspension on the day after being sent off in their Nedbank Cup win over All Stars a fortnight ago.

But not to worry, assistants Sergio Almenera and Mandla Ncikazi have proven they are more than capable of holding the fort in Riveiro’s absence, leading the team to a win over Maritzburg United on Friday.

That win meant that Pirates pulled themselves closer to that No 2 spot as they are two points behind second-placed Supersport United, who are also in the running for the coveted spot.

Chiefs, meanwhile, are not to be understated. They’ve been blowing hot and cold in their last few weeks but coach Arthur Zwane, who played for both clubs, knows form counts for nothing in the derby.

After all, in just less than a season into his senior coaching gig, Zwane’s team beat Pirates in the reverse fixture, while he will also know that winning such games is what will buy him time at the helm.

Pirates and Chiefs might still be in the Nedbank Cup, where they’ll face Venda Football Academy and Casric Stars in the last 16, respectively, but qualifying for the Champions League will taste better than any silverware.

And that’s why we should be in for a treat of a derby as three invaluable points are up for grabs.