Red Card!
The Soweto Derby never fails to cause banter between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs fans, in both the build-up and aftermath of the game. Because the past three encounters have gone in Pirates' favour, most fans are tipping Bucs to win.
In the past five games between the Soweto giants, the Buccaneers won three times and drew twice. The last time Chiefs won a Soweto Derby was in 2014, a 2-0 victory over their rivals. Despite the results, statistics show that this game could be a lot closer than a lot of people think.
Soccer Laduma reader Tshidiso Requelme Ages Khoanyane is expecting an emphatic victory for Bucs:
"I'm anticipating Orlando Pirates winning 3-0."
- Blogger: Tshidiso Ages Requelme Khoanyane
The statistics show that this could be a close game. According to STATS.com, the average goals per match sits at 1.44 for Pirates and 1.21 for Chiefs. Although it is speculation, it is a sign that the game is unlikely to produce a big scoreline.
Andile Dladla seems to lack faith in Amakhosi's attacking capabilities. The Soccer Laduma reader believes that Chiefs will be lucky to salvage a draw from the match:
"As a Chiefs fan, it's always outstanding to watch Chiefs and Pirates. Of course, we are hoping for a win but with our attack, we will be lucky to even get a draw. We wasted the whole of January while the window was open to improve our attack. A loss will just be another day for us."
- Blogger: Andile Dladla
Chiefs have a poor shot accuracy percentage of 29.8% while Pirates' shot accuracy is at 32.1%. In terms of the number of goals scored this season, Bucs have netted 26 goals and the Glamour Boys just 23 goals. It is clear the gap is not too wide between the two clubs in terms of the attacking numbers, so perhaps it wouldn't be fair to say that Chiefs will only be lucky to get a draw because the gap between the Soweto giants is not that big.
Dlamini Ncakwe has made an observation that Pirates fans are celebrating way too early and is would love to see their reaction if they lose:
"The way Pirates fans are celebrating already, it's as if they are guaranteed a win against Chiefs this Saturday. I wonder what would happen on these soccer pages should they lose."
- Blogger: Dlamini Ncakwe
Should Pirates fans be celebrating this early considering how close this game might be? Pirates have conceded 17 goals this season so far, and their rivals just 18. The gap is too close.
Perhaps former Chiefs midfielder Ntokozo Sikhakhane is right to say that the game might end as a draw. However, all we can do now is speculate, but the Soweto Derby should produce very interesting talking points, indeed!
Who are you backing on Saturday, and why? Let us know in the comments section below!
