A high-stakes Soweto derby is expected to unfold at the country’s state-of-the-art venue, FNB Stadium, on Sunday afternoon (3pm kick-off), serving one of the thrilling ends to the Betway Premiership season.
Both Soweto giants, Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, are in form. Pirates are on a five-game unbeaten run, while Chiefs are enjoying a six-game unbeaten streak, making for purple patches that have seen them chase the title and top-three finishes respectively.
While Pirates’ run hasn’t been flawless, they remain favourites for the clash. The two clubs’ official betting partner, SuperSportBet, is backing them as match winners with 1.64 odds.
Pirates Carry Momentum And Title Pressure
Pirates’ favourites’ tag is understandable. They head into the clash with better derby momentum – even though form usually counts for little in this fixture. They’ve won their last five league derbies against Chiefs, including a 3-0 thrashing in the reverse fixture earlier this year.
Pirates also have a lot to lose. They are top of the log and eager to finish there on the last day of the season, aiming to topple serial champions Mamelodi Sundowns and end a 14-year drought in the league title.
Given the fact that their destiny is not entirely in their hands, as Sundowns – who trail by a point – still have a game in hand, Pirates cannot afford to leave anything to chance.
They need to continue scoring goals, having netted 17 in their last five matches, while also building on Sipho Chaine’s club record of 17 clean sheets in the league so far this season.
Betting Insights And SuperSportBet Markets
SuperSportBet backs them to do exactly that, with several options on its ‘Featured Bet Builder’. As such, Orlando Pirates to Win or Draw | Over 1.5 First Half Goals | Both Teams to Score offers impressive 5.50 odds.
Considering Chiefs’ recent goalless draw with Polokwane City in their last match – after scoring 12 goals in the games before that – they will want to bring their scoring boots to the derby, though that does not guarantee a winning ticket.
A punter could still go big while backing Pirates – betting on Orlando Pirates to Win | Over 4.5 Goals | Both Teams to Score at a whopping 15.00 odds.
Granted, Pirates will be the team to beat heading into the match, but no Amakhosi faithful will bet against their side. There is a lot at stake for them as well – they want to avenge their defeat in February and secure a top-three finish this season.
A third-place finish would be a significant milestone for Chiefs. They have not finished in a CAF qualification position since they were runners-up in the 2019/20 season.
Given that they finished that campaign with 59 points, they will be eager to reach an impressive 64-point tally this season, which would mark their best return since winning the league title with 69 points in 2014/15.
Odds might be stacked against them, but they know football is unpredictable and their team could rise to the occasion on the day. Many supporters will therefore tap into the Bet Builder option of Kaizer Chiefs to Win | Over 1.5 First Half Goals | Over 3.5 Goals at 51.00 odds.
Allegiance aside, supporters of both sides and neutrals will be aware that form counts for little in the derby. That is why calculating risks on SuperSportBet is seen as a safer way of tipping possible returns.
The two teams are in form and are expected to bring their scoring boots. Betting on Match Goals Over 2.5 at 2.31 is a reasonable option. It does not conflict with allegiance but limits bias.
Goal Trends And First-half Expectations
Over 2.5 goals have been scored in the last two derbies across all competitions – Chiefs’ 2-1 win in the Nedbank Cup final, and their 3-0 win in the Betway Premiership.
Interestingly, in both games, two goals were scored in the first half. Given that, punters could consider the First Half Over 1.5 Goals market at 3.2 odds.
This is further supported by the fact that both teams have been scoring freely in recent weeks – Pirates with 17 goals in five games and Chiefs with 12 in six.
Discipline, Goalkeepers And Second-half Impact
Given the high stakes in the clash, emotions are expected to boil over on the pitch and on the touchline – with pre-match pleasantries likely set aside.
As such, the referee is expected to have his work cut out in maintaining control and discipline. Any setbacks such as red cards could swing the advantage decisively.
Both teams are also capable of scoring in the second half of matches, making Both Teams to Score in the 2nd Half at 4.5 odds another reasonable option for supporters and neutrals.
Granted, Chiefs and Pirates have been on a high-scoring run, but the form of Sipho Chaine and his counterpart Brandon Petersen cannot be ignored. Chaine is chasing the league’s record 18th clean sheet, while Petersen is aiming for his best return of 14 clean sheets in a season.
Should goals dry up unexpectedly, the goalkeepers could play a decisive role. That is why Win to Nil bets on Orlando Pirates at 2.11 and Kaizer Chiefs at 7.00 could also appeal to some punters.
Final Outlook
Be that as it may, goals will not be the only defining factor – performance will also matter. A lot is at stake for both sides, and a blockbuster league clash is expected at the Calabash from start to finish.
Match Form Guide
Recent form (last five Betway Prem games):
- Pirates: D–W–W–D–W
- Chiefs: W–W–W–W–D
Squad Availability
Injuries & suspensions
Pirates:
- Sihle Nduli (rehab)
- Tapelo Xoki (rehab)
Chiefs:
- Rushwin Dortley (knee)
- Nkanyiiso Shinga (foot)
Key Players To Watch
Pirates – Relebohile Mofokeng
Mofokeng has been on a roll this year, steering the Sea Robbers’ title charge. Given the stakes, he knows the Soweto derby could make or break his season, impacting his chances of winning the PSL Footballer of the Season award.
Chiefs – Flavio Silva
Silva was heavily scrutinised during a poor pre-season in the Netherlands and Durban. However, he has used that as fuel to improve his adaptation. So far, so good – he’s finding the goals and helping the team win. There would be no better stage to consolidate that than by scoring in the derby.
Head-to-Head Record
Head-to-head record (Last 23 Betway Prem games):
- Games played: 23
- Pirates wins: 9
- Chiefs wins:8
- Draws: 6
Predicted Line-Ups
Predicted line-ups
Pirates (4-3-2-1): Chaine; Sebelebele, Seema, Sibisi, Hotto; Mbatha, Makhaula; Nemtajela, Appollis, Mofokeng; Mbuthuma
Chiefs (4-2-3-1): Petersen; Monyane, McCarthy, Miguel, Cross; Maboe, Ndlovu; Shabalala, Lilepo, Duba; Silva
Disclaimer: The above line-ups are predictions and may not reflect official team sheets, which are usually released closer to kick-off.
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