Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs name experienced sides for 186th Soweto derby

Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs have selected experienced starting line-ups for the 186th Soweto derby, with both sides seeking three points and local bragging rights on Saturday afternoon.

Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has retained Sipho Chaine in goal, with Nkosinathi Sibisi, Lebone Seema, Deon Hotto and Nkosikhona Ndaba forming the defensive unit in front of him.

The inclusion of veteran defender Hotto at right-back is the main talking point in the Pirates team. He has been moved into the position because of the absence of Kamogelo Sebelebele and Bulelani Sigomoshe.

Thalente Mbatha and Thapelo Mokobodi will provide the defensive cover in midfield, with Simphiwe Selepe given a supporting role. Simphiwe Masilela, Tshepang Moremi and Yanela Mbuthuma have been named in the attacking positions.

Ouaddou’s side enter the derby in strong league form. Pirates have won their past six league matches, scoring 16 goals during that run, while goalkeeper Chaine is yet to concede in the competition.

Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz has also opted for a line-up built around players with considerable experience of the fixture.

Petersen starts in goal, with Reeve Frosler, Ignacio Miguel, Thabo Moloisane and Paseka Mako selected in defence.

Sibongiseni Mthethwa will anchor the midfield, supported by Lebohang Maboe. Mfundo Vilakazi, Mduduzi Shabalala, Pule Mmodi and Duba have been chosen in the attacking positions.

Duba goes into the match after scoring a hat-trick against TS Galaxy, a result that helped Chiefs reach the quarter-final stage of the Carling Knockout Cup.

Chiefs’ recent league record has been less convincing than their rivals’. They have drawn five of their past six matches, against Stellenbosch FC, Golden Arrows, Polokwane City, Richards Bay and Mamelodi Sundowns. Their only victory in that sequence came against Siwelele FC.

The confirmed starting line-ups are:

Orlando Pirates: Chaine, Sibisi, Seema, Ndaba, Hotto, Mbatha, Selepe, Masilela, Mokobodi, Moremi and Mbuthuma.

Kaizer Chiefs: Petersen, Frosler, Miguel, Moloisane, Mako, Maboe, Mthethwa, Vilakazi, Shabalala, Mmodi and Duba.