Soweto derby: Chiefs and Pirates meet for 186th time at FNB Stadium

Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs renew their rivalry at FNB Stadium on Saturday (15:30) in a league fixture that will be the 186th meeting between the two Soweto clubs.

Amakhosi have the better record in the derby, with 75 victories to Pirates’ 50. A further 55 matches have ended level, while five fixtures were abandoned for various reasons.

The match will be a first Soweto derby for Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando da Cruz. Chiefs defender Thabo Moloisane and Orlando Pirates midfielder Thapelo Mokobodi are also expected to make their debuts in the fixture.

Pirates arrive in stronger form

Pirates, the defending league champions, have won four of their past five matches in all competitions. Their only defeat during that run came in the other game.

They are unbeaten in the league after eight matches, recording seven wins and one draw. Pirates sit second in the table.

Kaizer Chiefs are also yet to lose in the league, but their record includes three victories and five draws. They are fourth, eight points behind Pirates.

Their recent form in all competitions has been less consistent, with one win, two draws and two defeats from their past five matches.

Moremi and Duba provide the attacking threat

Tshepang Moremi has emerged as a key player for Pirates after scoring six goals in 10 appearances this season.

He struck twice in midweek as Pirates beat Milford 3-0 in the first round of the Carling Cup, and will be one of the main attacking threats in the derby.

Chiefs will look to Wandile Duba after his hat-trick in their 3-0 win against TS Galaxy in the first round of the Carling Knockout.

Duba has scored six goals in seven appearances across domestic tournaments this season.

Ticket checks and increased security

Security arrangements around FNB Stadium will be strengthened for the match.

Stadium Management SA has warned that ticketless supporters found around the venue will be arrested.

Fans will first undergo a visual ticket check at the venue exclusion zone. Only after that inspection will they be allowed to move further into the stadium precinct.