Bucs to boss derby?

Orlando Pirates v Kaizer Chiefs – DStv remiership, 29 October, FNB Stadium, 15h30

Afirst Soweto Derby of the season is always a much anticipated affair, and that is even more so with this one because it will be the first with fans in attendance since February 2020, before the outbreak of COVID-19 saw a halt to normal football proceedings. To say FNB Stadium will be bursting at the seams come Saturday afternoon is perhaps an understatement, even with the current contrasting fortunes of Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs taken into consideration. Labelled ‘a plumber’ by many when he was announced as Bucs’ new coach in June, Jose Riveiro has arrived with something resembling a magic wand and led the club to the MTN8 final, while progress in the league

isn’t too bad, not to mention their much improved defence. Meanwhile, a sombre mood hangs over Naturena Village as Arthur Zwane and his charges prepare to face their rivals, on the back of cup elimination by AmaZulu FC, with certain sections of the fanbase expressing frustration at the side’s lukewarm performances of late. But history suggests that a positive result in the derby could suddenly change the narrative and restore faith in the camp, and besides, it is a well-known fact that the form book is thrown out of the window when Ezimnyama Ngenkani and Abafana Bokuthula Noxolo face off! Soccer Laduma previews what should be a noisy and lively Soweto Derby!