The Telkom Knockout semi-final commences this weekend and the headline match taking place at Moses Mabhida is the Soweto Derby between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. These two sides lock horns for the second time so far this season. The Buccaneers walked away with a 2-1 win in their league match, and now Amakhosi will be looking to bounce back in the cup competition.
This week, Nhlanhla Mshibe gets in on the action that will be taking place and has made his predictions on the following games.
Match of the Week
Kaizer Chiefs v Orlando Pirates (Telkom Knockout)
Match 1 Soccer 6 Pool 24 November S6 V3 P1
League Rankings: Kaizer Chiefs 5th v Orlando Pirates 1st (Premier Soccer League)
Useful facts: South African football lovers will always salivate at the prospect of a Soweto Derby, especially in a cup competition, notwithstanding that it comes hot on the heels of Kaizer Chiefs' defeat to Orlando Pirates in the league, in late October. Going into this Telkom Knockout semi-final duel at Moses Mabhida, Bucs will have one thing in mind and that is to pile more misery on their biggest foes while ensuring progress to the final. But they know that Amakhosi will not be the lamb to slaughter, as they have pride to protect, plus they have not won a trophy in over three seasons and their fans are beginning to get restless. The pressure that is on the shoulders of Giovanni Solinas means this is a must-win game for the Naturena-based outfit, as two losses to Pirates in the space of a month will not sit well with the club's fans. Either way, we have a game on our hands!
Nhlanhla Mshibe: Pirates win
Tottenham v Chelsea (English Premier League)
Match 5 Soccer 6 Pool 24 November S6 V3 P1
League Rankings:Tottenham 4th v Chelsea 3rd
Useful facts: The Blues, who fired blanks in the goalless draw against Everton before the FIFA international break, will hope to have their scoring form back as they travel to Wembley Stadium to face the Lilywhites. With only a point separating the two London rivals, it promises to be a game full of thrills and spills. Both sides, who have been in superb form so far this campaign, will know that any points dropped would aid Manchester City's surge towards another league title. The last time the two teams met, in April this year, it was the home side that walked away winners, with a scoreline of 3-1.
Nhlanhla Mshibe: Tottenham win
Atletico Madrid v Barcelona (La Liga)
Match 6 Soccer 6 Pool 24 November S6 V3 P1
League Rankings: Atletico Madrid 3rd v Barcelona 1st
Useful facts: One of the biggest games on the La Liga calendar is upon us. Just as well, not a lot separate the two sides, with the home side trailing log leaders Barca by a point. The one noticeable difference is that the visitors have scored a whopping 34 goals in 12 league games so far, while Atletico Madrid have scored 16. However, the latter pride themselves on their steely defence, which has conceded only eight goals, the best defensive record so far in La Liga. Still, it will be interesting to see how they manage to deal with the sometimes ruthless front line of Barcelona in what should be a pulsating game of football. Games between the two sides are always tight affairs and the last time they locked horns, back in March, Barca emerged 1-0 victors.
Nhlanhla Mshibe: Barcelona win
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