Kaizer Chiefs have given a squad injury update as they prepare to face Orlando Pirates this afternoon, confirming player availability against their bitter rivals.
Amakhosi face the Buccaneers this afternoon in a game that could have long-reaching consequences regarding the Absa Premiership title this season, with Chiefs currently leading the pack as Mamelodi Sundowns and Pirates breathe down the back of their neck.
Today's game at FNB Stadium also sees two German coaches, Ernst Middendorp and Josef Zinnbauer, go head-to-head for the first time, and it's actually the Buccaneers who go into the game in the best of form having won their last six league games in a row.
Middendorp, who has never lost a Soweto Derby in either of his stints at Naturena, knows the pressure that comes with the game, but insists that they're properly prepared for what's to come.
Speaking to the club's official website, the coach said, "The spirit in the camp is high… We have gone through the training sessions very well. I am satisfied with our preparations. The game is hyped up just like any other Derby match in the world. You can see with the media and the supporters that this match means a lot to people, and we are aware of that.
"It is going to be a tight match, I cannot reveal much about the approach. Also, we have done our intelligence work, but we will play cards close to our chest. What everybody has seen is their work rate and ability to grind for results."
Meanwhile, regarding squad availability, the German added, "We don't have any suspensions or injuries. We will field a team strong enough to do the business for us. It is not yet time to look at the log positions because we still have ten games to play.
"This is one of ten matches that we will have to go through in the fixture list. What is important is to focus for ninety minutes."
Chiefs and Pirates lock horns at 15h30 this afternoon in the final Soweto Derby of the 2019/20 season.
