It’s derby time in Telkom Knockout semis
JOBURG - It's derby time in the semifinals of the Telkom Knockout as the Tshwane sides clash and the Soweto giants do battle.
Mamelodi Sundowns, which disposed of Free State Stars in a 6-1 thriller, will meet fellow Tshwane side, the struggling SuperSport United, while the Soweto derby will be between league scrappers Orlando Pirates and the in-form Kaizer Chiefs.
Although Pirates are not struggling in the league per se, their focus seems to be on conquering Africa, but the Bucs are capable of surprising many. Eric Tinkler’s job now is to take the Buccaneers to the summit of African football, which will place the Soweto giants among the top teams in the continent, making them the first team from the southern tip of Africa to be ranked as such.
The Premier Soccer League has confirmed that both semifinal derbies will be played on 7 November, with the Soweto derby at the FNB Stadium at 3pm and the Tshwane clash at 8.15pm at the Lucas ‘Masterpieces’ Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville.
In the Tshwane derby, judging from the form book, my money is on the Brazilians to come out smoking from this encounter though derbies are pretty tough to judge as every team usually puts its best foot forward.
SuperSport has struggled in the league of late and that does not auger well for them going into a tough cup derby such as this one, while on the other hand, the Brazilians have been buoyed by their 6-1 thumping of Free State Stars.
The Soweto derby too is a similar affair as it pits league strugglers, Pirates against a high-riding Amakhosi team coached by Steve Komphela who seems to be continuing from where former coach Stuart Baxter left off.
I am putting my neck on the block to say the final of the Telkom Knockout on 16 December will be between the two form teams, Sundowns and Chiefs.
The league said the availability of tickets for both derbies will be confirmed in due course.
Details: Luxolo September 076 412 4450 or lux@psl.co.za
