Today two Soweto giants are set to clash once again
What you should know before the match?
After the 2017 edition of the cup was cancelled due to the Fifa World Cup in Russia. The Carling Black label cup returns to South Africa and will see Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs take on arch-rivals, Orlando Pirates in what will be the 7th edition of the cup.
The one-match tournament is the curtain-raiser for the upcoming season, and unlike any other in the country. In the Carling Black Label Cup, it’s the supporters who pick the players and can even make match substitutions using the app. One lucky supporter will have the honour of coaching the side for the day.
The Match
On paper, Orlando Pirates go into the match on the stronger foot. Although Kaizer Chiefs walked off the field victorious the last time these two sides clashed in the cup, the Buccaneers have form and history on their side.
The Buccaneers finished last year’s Premier Soccer League as runners up after a thrilling title chase with the impressive Mamelodi Sundowns. Additionally, out of the six editions played of the Carling Black Label Cup; Pirates have won four, only losing twice.
This, companioned with the wealth of talent in their artillery, which includes the likes of Thembinkosi Lorch and Vincent Pule, would give even the most pessimistic of Pirates’ supporters a reason to be hopeful Saturday.
In the opposite corner, Kaizer Chiefs supporter’s don’t have as much to be pleased about after underwhelming PSL campaign that saw the Glamour boys fail to crack the top eight, only managing a 9th place finish and winning just 9 of the 30 PSL matches played. The Phefeni Glamour boys will also be without their captain, Itumelenge Khune. The goalkeeper has been out due to injury and is only expected to be match fit in August.
Players to Watch
The Soweto derby is the biggest football encounter in South Africa. These matches are intensely tight with only a goal or two separatings often separating the two sides.
In such a tense encounter it often takes a special player to make the difference. Orlando Pirates’ will undoubtedly have their faith in Thembinkosi Lorch.
The midfielder is the reigning PSL player of the season and Player’s player of the season. The two titles weren’t a fluke either; Lorch contributed 16 goals and assisted 9 times for Orlando pirates across all competitions last season before going on to shine for Bafana Bafana in the Egypt 2019 African Cup of Nations.
In the Kaizer Chiefs camp, Amakhosi supporters will be looking at Khama Billiat for inspiration. While the Zimbabwean international failed to hit top form last season, he did show glimpses of the unstoppable force he was in Sundowns colours and is very much still a nightmare for defenders on his day. He recorded 9 goals and 6 assists in all competitions for Kaizer Chiefs last season
History and form overwhelmingly favour Orlando Pirates for this tie, but Kaizer Chiefs supporters may find comfort in being the tournament’s defending champions. Having beaten Orlando Pirates in the last edition of the Carling Black Label Cup, the Amakhosi faithful have every reason to be equally bullish of their chances for victory.
The match will be played at the FNB Stadium in Nasrec on the 27th of July with Kick off scheduled for 3 pm.
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