Coaching in the Soweto Derby is “different gravy”. As such, expectations are high on Kaizer Chiefs’ co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef, and their Orlando Pirates counterpart Abdeslam Ouaddou, to impress on debut in the spectacle and create their own history.
Kaze and Ben Youssef experienced derby action in their first season at the club, albeit as assistant coaches. The script has now changed, and they will call the shots in front of a sold-out FNB Stadium.
Experience Vs Expectation
Given his previous experiences in the derby – including being part of the technical team that beat Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final last season – Kaze understands the thrills and spills that come with winning this fixture. That is why failure is not an option on debut as one of the leaders of the pack.
“The derby is a spicy occasion and every time you come into the derby, you want to do as much as you can,” said Kaze during the pre-match press conference at the Johannesburg Expo Centre on Thursday. “You know, in as much as we don’t want to say it, it buys you at least a month of happiness with the fans.”
Kaze and Ben Youssef will need sharp mental resolve and must help their players adapt to both the demands of the game and the magnitude of the occasion. The derby is a spectacle deeply embedded in local football culture – one that attracts supporters from all corners of South Africa.
Title Race Adds Extra Edge
With the two Soweto giants in the Betway Premiership title race for the first time in more than six years – Chiefs chasing their first league title in 11 years and Pirates enduring a 14-year drought – the stakes could not be higher.
Amakhosi head into the clash as hosts, but underdogs, with 3.60 odds placed on them by SuperSportBet – the official betting partner of both Soweto giants – to be the Match Winner, compared to Pirates’ 2.65 odds.
The underdog tag is a recent development for Amakhosi. Since their first meeting in 1971 – the year Chiefs were established – the Glamour Boys have beaten Pirates in 45 meetings and lost 27, while 36 of the 109 league encounters have ended in draws.
Chiefs’ Tactical Shift And Defensive Solidity
Chiefs’ script has changed in recent years due to inconsistent coaching models and frequent personnel changes. Pirates, meanwhile, have tightened their grip on the rivalry – including winning the last four league meetings – thanks largely to an impressive scouting system and structural stability.
It is now Kaze and Ben Youssef’s responsibility to swing the pendulum back in Chiefs’ favour, starting on Saturday. The duo have already made progress, reintroducing Amakhosi into the title conversation alongside second-placed Pirates for the first time in more than six years.
Defensively, Chiefs have been rock solid. Brandon Petersen has kept 11 clean sheets, conceding just eight goals in 16 matches. However, they have lacked cutting edge up front, scoring only 16 goals – an average of one per game.
Despite Bet Boost having 2.00 odds on 1+Goals in the Match (Super Boost from 1.10) Chiefs are not expected to Score the First Goal of the match, with 2.35 odds on them, compared to 1.95 odds.
So enter Kaze and Ben Youssef. They must consolidate their defensive structure, which has recently begun to leak after conceding in their last four matches in all competitions – resulting in three losses and one win – while sharpening their finishing in the final third.
Flavio Silva: Chiefs’ Main Threat
Flavio Silva has been a knight in shining armour for Chiefs, scoring seven goals across all competitions, including the 2-1 loss to Stellenbosch on Tuesday night. He will want nothing more than to score in one of – if not the – biggest matches of the season and help Amakhosi secure victory.
Silva is not ‘featured’ on Featured Bet Builder by SuperSportBet. But it would also be realistic to bet on Over 1.5 First Half Goals | 3.5 Goals | Both teams to Score at 9.00 odds.
The Guinea-Bissau international and the rest of Chiefs’ striking unit may, however, have chosen the toughest possible fixture to rediscover their scoring touch.
Pirates’ Defensive Wall Under Ouaddou
Pirates have also been rock solid, with Sipho Chaine keeping 12 clean sheets and conceding just seven goals in 17 league games.
The solid defensive foundation has been reinforced by Ouaddou, a former defender who represented Morocco’s national team – the Atlas Lions – and English Premier League side Fulham during his playing career.
Ouaddou has shown impeccable attention to detail in midfield, where control of the game is orchestrated. He is particularly pleased with the return of Thalente Mbatha, whose presence adds balance and rhythm.
Makgopa’s Return And Attacking Intent
With two goals in his last two Soweto derbies across all competitions, Evidence Makgopa will be eager to make it three in a row against their fierce rivals after returning to training this week following a three-week layoff.
Amid Makgopa’s return, the Featured Bet Builder of Orlando Pirates to Win or Draw | Over 1.5 First Half Goals | Both teams to Score at 7.00 odds couldn’t be more reasonable.
“He (Makgopa) has been out for nearly three weeks, but we are very happy as a group to welcome him back. He’s back at training and feeling very well. So, he’s one more player to add to the group,” Ouaddou said.
“I am happy to welcome back Mbatha as well. There have been a lot of questions around him. He was injured as well.”
Calm Before The Storm At The Calabash
With his squad nearing full strength, Ouaddou cuts a confident figure heading into his first derby. He has urged his players to enjoy the occasion while meeting the expectations of the supporters.
His calmness is understandable. Although Pirates have lost their last two matches – in the league to Sundowns and in the Nedbank Cup last-16 to Casric Stars – this is a team that has shown resilience before.
After losing their first two league matches earlier in the season, Pirates responded with a 14-game unbeaten run, underlining their genuine title ambitions.
Ultimately, Ouaddou and his Chiefs counterparts, Kaze and Ben Youssef, understand the magnitude of this derby – particularly this season. That is why they cannot afford to leave any stone unturned at the Calabash as they look to etch their names into the history of the fixture and win over their supporters.
Bet On The Soweto Derby At SuperSportBet
Looking to add excitement to the Soweto Derby? Place your bets on your favourite teams and players with competitive odds and diverse football betting markets at SuperSportBet.
