It does not get more intense and fiercely contested than a fixture between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, the traditional rivals, and what makes it more interesting is that Bucs have gotten the better of Amakhosi twice this season already. The fact that in the bigger scheme of things, the game does not really mean much as the league campaign still has a long way to go, is proof yet again that bragging rights will always supersede all when it comes to this derby. There is so much to talk about going into this game, from both sides, with the Glamour Boys having shown an improvement in recent games after starting the season on a poor note, while the Buccaneers have stuttered after winning the MTN8 in December. The form book, however, is thrown out of the window when Soweto Derby time comes around, with every player in camp willing to give his all. In this preview, Soccer Laduma delves deep into the talking points and some of the areas where the game could be won. There are also comments from Pirates and Chiefs legends.
When Orlando Pirates announced that Mlambo's contract had been terminated following the completion of the 2019/20 season, it was not met with the approval of all of the club's fans, as some felt the player nicknamed 'Ten-Ten' still had a lot to offer. However, the writing had been on the wall for a while that he was not part of coach Josef Zinnbauer's plans going forward, having seen little game-time at the Soweto giants last season. Such is the midfield maestro's talent, though, that it did not take him long to find a new home, as he was snapped up by AmaZulu, who are undergoing a revolution under new ambitious owner, Sandile Zungu. In an interview with Soccer Laduma, the former Bidvest Wits man opens up about his relationship with Zinnbauer, shares his feelings on his Bucs departure and talks about working with Benni McCarthy.
The burly Maritzburg United striker always seems to find a way to thrust himself into the limelight whenever his team comes up against Kaizer Chiefs. Such that many have begun formulating a school of thought that he only shows up when playing the Soweto giants and does not show the same commitment in other games. Moseamedi recently netted a brace against Mzansi's most-supported side, which saw him trend on social networks, and he will be looking to become a big part of the club's plans to move up the league table after a horrible start to the season. In his interview, the Tzaneen-born marksman addresses the notion surrounding his ever-present hot form against Chiefs, why he's not really been consistent in his career and his plans to return to the Bafana Bafana fold.
The man affectionately known as 'Rama G' is a veteran campaigner in every sense. His football journey has taken him to different provinces and four different clubs, and he has now settled back 'home' at Black Leopards, where it all started for him in the professional ranks. Despite suffering some personal tragedies, the hard-running striker has always kept things professional, focusing on doing his job as diligently as possible. Now captain of Lidoda Duvha, the 32-year-old wants to lead a change in the 'culture' of fighting against relegation at the Limpopo outfit, while also helping guide the youngsters coming through. In his Soccer Laduma interview, Ramagalela has an important message to his teammates and the entire team. He also sets the record straight on what happened to the TS Galaxy move after he paraded the club's new kit prior to the start of the season.
CR7 may or may not be the best player in football history, but what is beyond doubt is that he is the greatest goalscorer in the game. He broke Josef Bican's long-standing world record with his opener against Napoli in the Italian Super Cup final last week, and has now scored more times than any other player in history of the Beautiful Game. After Ronaldo reached one of the biggest milestones of his illustrious career, Soccer Laduma' discusses everything you need to know about his latest achievement, including question marks that were raised over his record, and profiles the man who had his name in the history books before the Portuguese superstar.
