Kaizer Chiefs v Orlando PiratesOrlando Stadium gears up for its first Soweto derby since 1983, but the state of the pitch is a cause of concern for both Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.
The rivalry between the two clubs, which is the biggest in South African football and has just been ranked 14th in the world by the UK's Daily Mail, is no longer a battle for mid-table crumbs. Amakhosi are on the up following a 2-0 win over Golden Arrows and they will leapfrog Bucs in the standings should they pick up three points.
Ruud Krol's men, meanwhile, are determined to bounce back from three defeats after being the early pacesetters in the PSL.
While the plot surrounding the historic clash is phenomenal, the playing surface at Orlando Stadium is anything but. Add to that two blackouts in the past two encounters played at the venue, and it is easy to see why organisers are scared that the spectacle may be dimmed somewhat.
The players though, have no such worries. Tinashe Nengomasha says he is out for revenge, while official derby debutant Nkosinathi Nhleko wants nothing less than maximum points.
"Our focus is on the upcoming big one against Pirates. It's a league game with three points on offer and we want those three points. We really want to do well from that game and we know what we want. Three points will put us in a better position and even higher than Pirates," he told Football365.co.za.
His former Jomo Cosmos team-mate Dikgang Mabalane knows that victory in the derby will resuscitate Bucs' stuttering campaign.
"We are going there wanting to win and that's our plan," he said.
With tickets for the clash already sold out by Wednesday, security is set to be beefed up for the encounter due to fears of overcrowding and supporters illegally forcing their way into the ground.
However, PSL GM for security Phillip Masimong, revealed that several meetings have been held to ensure the showdown goes ahead without a glitch.
"The whole world will be watching this match and we cannot afford to have anything going wrong," he told Business Day.
"The 2010 World Cup is only a few months away and we need everything to be perfect at Orlando. That is why we have had numerous security meetings planned almost the whole week."
Chiefs supporters reacted violently following their MTN8 semi-final, first-leg defeat at the hands of Ajax Cape Town. With the world following one of the country's greatest spectacles, Danny Jordaan and company will not want a repeat of that or the tragic events that transpired at Ellis Park in 2001, which claimed the lives of 43 people.
The clubs have already issued a warning to their fans regarding counterfeit tickets and have urged them to refrain from any controversial behaviour.
Both coaches have instructed their charges to be at their disciplined best, which means goalmouth action could be at a minimum. Pirates have already struggled to find the back of the net and have been dealt a huge blow with the loss of Benson Mhlongo. The inspirational midfielder dislocated his knee in the defeat against AmaZulu and joins captain Lehlohonolo Seema on the sidelines.
For Chiefs, David Mathebula has shaken off an injury, but the clash may come too soon for Itumeleng Khune, who has returned to full training. It will be interesting to see whether Abia Nale, who received a rollicking from coach Vladimir Vermezovic on Wednesday night will be part of Amakhosi's squad.
Foreign publications have already highlighted the derby as a preview of sorts for those making the trip to South Africa for next year's World Cup, so it's not just three points and the pride of Soweto at stake.
May the best team win.
source: http://www.football365.co.za/story/0,22162,14287_5660771,00.html
