On Saturday, Kaizer Chiefs completed a double over rivals Orlando Pirates with a 1-0 win at FNB Stadium, with the decisive goal coming from an own goal by Pirates defender Olisa Ndah. PSLSA looks at five key lessons from the past weekend’s Soweto Derby.
Mduduzi Shabalala, 19, played his first Soweto Derby with confidence and was rewarded with his first 90 minute appearance of the season. His performance will certainly do a world of good to his confidence.
Full time score: (Ndah o.g 89’) Kaizer Chiefs 1 : 0 Orlando Pirates
DStv Man of the Match: Edmilson Dove Amakhosi4Life DStvPrem UnityInAction SowetoDerby pic.twitter.com/nLyODuuKLO
— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) February 25, 2023
Mozambican international Edmilson Dove returned after missing the 3-2 defeat to Golden Arrows and put up a Man of the Match performance, his long ball from the back leading to the Ndah own goal. His presence and experience in defence was crucial for Amakhosi.
Zwane made the decision to make a slight change in defence, as Zitha Kwinika played at right back and Siyabonga Ngezana moved into central defence to play alongside Dove. Kwinika looked a bit more confident at right back and was able to get forward at times and play some long balls into the Pirates box.
Thembinkosi Lorch recently returned from a long layoff and a lot was expected from him in the derby, but it showed that he still needs some more time to get back to his devastating best.
Monnapule Saleng has arguably been Pirates’ best player this season, but he can’t seem to rise to the occasion in the Soweto Derby. During the first round derby, he was not as influential and this past weekend he lacked his usual edge, as he failed to make an impact in the final third for the Buccaneers.
