Rivals meet in Soweto derby

TSHEPO MOLWANE
Staff Writer | Friday November 14, 2008 00:00

With the local Premier League temporarily suspended, thousands of Batswana are expected to cross the border to the North West Province to watch what promises to be a thriller between the two Soweto giants.

There is no doubt that the two South African sides enjoy massive support in Botswana.

After a poor start to the season, Pirates and Chiefs seem to have re-discovered their form and those to travel to Mafikeng will definitely not regret making the sojourn. Early this week, there were reports that tickets for the game were selling slowly in South Africa but after the midweek wins by the two clubs, the situation is likely to change. Pirates fought hard to beat Platinum Stars 1-0 through Thulasizwe Mbuyane's late goal while Chiefs registered a similar win over league champions SuperSport United, with David Mathebula scoring the only goal of the game.

After suffering three defeats in a row at the start of the season, Amakhosi have been on fire and have now gone four games unbeaten in the league. They have leapfrogged to fourth position with 12 points, easing off pressure from coach Muhsin Ertugral, who has been in trouble especially after the embarrassing 4-1 defeat to Golden Arrows in the Telkom Knockout Cup. Expected to lead Amakhosi to victory is Jose Torrealba, Gert Schalkwyk and Mathebula.

The latter has been in hot form for the Naturena side and is likely to give the Buccaneers a hard time.

Chiefs are likely to unveil their Nigerian striker Ibe Zito Ogbonna if his work permit has been granted. One man whose form might determine the outcome is Chiefs' young goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune. The custodian has been dogged by indifferent form this season but he is capable of frustrating opponents with heart-stopping saves. Chiefs will go into the game without the services of striker Tshepo Bulu who got injured against Amazulu.

Goalkeeper Emile Baron might also be out. Even though they are sitting on the 10th position with nine points, Pirates have been displaying good football. Their main downfall has been converting the numerous scoring chances they create. It seems coach Rudi Krol has brought a new dimension to the Pirates' play. The speed of Mbuyane and Dikgang Mabalane on the wings has been a threat to opponents. At the start of the season, Mbuyane was unwanted by some of Pirates' supporters but his latest form in front of goal has won him many fans. Mbuyane has scored crucial goals in the last two games for Pirates.

Mabalane has settled in well and scored in recent games against Free State Stars and Moroka Swallows. Pirates go into the game without the services of goalkeeper Moeneeb Josephs who suffered a terrible injury in midweek after a collision with Tshepo Ramokala.

Former Chiefs' goalkeeper, Gary Bailey told Mmegi Sport yesterday that derbies are always difficult and he expects tomorrow's game to be no different. 'The tension is always high and even the tackles are hard. It will depend on how one copes with the emotions and with both sides having won their games on Wednesday, we expect an exciting game.

There are lots of players who can be match winners but the score is going to be close,' he said. Bailey pointed out that he would like to see Chiefs on top tomorrow but he is aware that it is not going to be easy. He paid tribute to Ertugral and Krol, saying that they have proved to be good coaches. Kick-off is 4pm.