By Michael Madyira
Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs players have set the tone for Saturday’s Soweto Derby showdown at FNB Stadium by directing taunts and jibes at each other.
The first player to spice up the mood ahead of the derby was Chiefs wunderkind Wandile Duba after he scored his maiden PSL goal in their 1-0 victory over Golden Arrows on Tuesday.
The 19-year-old stoked the flames, warning the Buccaneers that “they should expect me because I’m coming for them”.
This was followed by Thursday’s response from Pirates defender Olisa Ndah who referred to Duba as “the little guy”.
I’m not worried about what the little guy said,” Ndah offered. “I think he is more excited. I’m just looking forward to the game on Saturday, we just have to deliver.”
The two traditional opponents clash in this PSL match as they bid to secure a CAF Champions League spot for next season.
Pirates are fifth on the PSL table and go into this match with just one point more than sixth-placed Amakhosi.
The reverse league fixture between the two traditional rivals ended 1-0 in favour of the Buccaneers in November 2023.
But Amakhosi attacker Keagan Dolly is refusing to let that setback get to them and poked fun at the Sea Robbers by telling them Chiefs are not intimidated.
“There’s no way I am going to stand here and tell you guys that I’m afraid of Pirates,” Dolly told journalists.
“I am not going to lie to look good on camera and say I am afraid of them. It’s a derby, a football match, so we should go out there and compete.”
The slanging between the two giants’ players sets the stage for what could be a stormy encounter for the two teams who have not been consistent scorers this season.
Pictured above: Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Samkelo Zwane tries to get past Orlando Pirates attacker Relebohile Mofokeng.
Image source: Kaizer Chiefs
