Soweto derby headlines DStv Premiership this weekend

by Staff Reporter

Friday Mar 04, 2022. 12:57

The Soweto derby between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs headlines the DStv Premiership action for the weekend of March 5 and 6.

The Orlando Stadium plays host to the 83rd Soweto derby as Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs battle it out for CAF Champions League football.

The arch-rivals are tied on 32 points, with Amakhosi third in the standings after beating Baroka 1-0 last Saturday. The Buccaneers are fourth following a goalless draw with Cape Town City on Wednesday.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s big clash, Pirates co-coach Mandla Ncikazi said: “Unfortunately the derby has got no form, the derby has got no history. Anybody can win the derby, it depends on the day who is more prepared to do well in the match.”

Chiefs head coach Stuart Baxter lamented the fact that no fans will be present at the ground, saying: “The tragedy is that the supporters are not there, and that’s what makes it the Soweto Derby really.”

Another massive contest on Saturday sees Baroka and TS Galaxy lock horns at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in a relegation six-pointer, while Cape Town City will be looking to push higher up the table when they welcome Sekhukhune United to Newlands on Saturday evening.

SuperSport United welcome AmaZulu to the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium looking to snap a two-game losing streak, and champions Mamelodi Sundowns will attempt to take another step towards retaining the league title when they visit Maritzburg United on Saturday night.

The Brazilians went 18 points clear of the chasing pack after they beat TS Galaxy in midweek. The Team of Choice remain 12th in the standings, having suffered their third defeat in four games when they lost 2-1 to Golden Arrows last Friday.

Sundowns co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi has warned his players against complacency this weekend, saying: “These wounded teams can be very dangerous. Maritzburg have not been at their best, we would not want them to come back against us but we believe our players understand how important it is to give it their best shot and give the respect that is required and never develop any elements of complacency.”

Royal AM will be aiming to keep the momentum going when they take on Swallows at Chatsworth Stadium on Sunday afternoon, Chippa United will go in search of their first win in five outings when they face Golden Arrows at the Princess Magogo Stadium, and Marumo Gallants will be targeting a third win on the spin when they host Stellenbosch at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.

(All times CAT) Saturday’s fixtures:

15h30: Orlando Pirates v Kaizer Chiefs

15h30: Baroka v TS Galaxy

17h00: Cape Town City v Sekhukhune United

17h30: SuperSport United v AmaZulu

19h30: Maritzburg United v Mamelodi Sundowns

Sunday’s fixtures:

15h30: Royal AM v Swallows

15h30: Golden Arrows v Chippa United

17h30: Marumo Gallants v Stellenbosch