There will be a number of players making their debuts in the Soweto derby this weekend, creating a lot of excitement as they look to leave a lasting impression.
Kaizer Chiefs host Orlando Pirates at FNB Stadium and there will be some players who will be itching to get their first chance at playing in the big encounter. Soccer Laduma looks at the players who could feature for the first time in the derby.
READ: New Chiefs Defender Set For Debut?
KAIZER CHIEFS
Edson Castillo
The Venezuelan midfielder is one of Amakhosi's top performers this season and will have an opportunity to make an impact in his first Soweto derby for the club. Castillo has shown he can step up when Chiefs need a hero and this is the type of game which needs a match winner. He has shown a great ability to make late runs into the box and score from crosses that are whipped into the box.
Thatayaone Ditlhokwe
The Botswana national team captain is a regular at the back for Amakhosi and is almost guaranteed to start against the Buccaneers on Saturday. Like Castillo, Ditlhokwe has been one of the consistent performers and they will need him to be fully focused to tame the likes of Thembinkosi Lorch, Evidence Makgopa, Relebohile Mofokeng and Vincent Pule.
Sibongiseni Mthethwa
The former Stellenbosch FC midfielder will be available after serving a one match suspension against Cape Town Spurs, which is a big boost for Amakhosi, who need stability in the middle of the park to tame their rivals. Mthethwa will be eager to make a mark in the derby against the likes of Thabang Monare and Miguel Timm.
Given Msimango
Recently included in the Bafana Bafana preliminary squad, Msimango will be hoping to get an opportunity to feature against the Buccaneers, having recently lost his place in the starting line-up to Njabulo Ngcobo.
The others: Some of the other players who could feature for the first time for Amakhosi in a derby are Mduduzi Mdantsane, Ranga Chivaviro and Pule Mmodi.
ORLANDO PIRATES
Melusi Buthelezi
The former TS Galaxy goalkeeper has been playing recently and looks set to start again in goal in the absence of Sipho Chaine. After keeping a clean sheet against Sekhukhune United on Tuesday night, he will be determine to shut out Amakhosi on Saturday afternoon.
Patrick Maswanganyi
He has been a key feature in the starting line-up for the Buccaneers and there is a big chance that he will be starting the game. Maswanganyi is one of the players Pirates rely on for creativity in the final third and his trickery often gives him an edge against his opponent.
Karim Kimvuidi
Kimvuidi has been playing a bit more in recent times and has a good chance of featuring in his first derby. With his creativity in the middle of the park, the former Maritzburg United man can unlock the Amakhosi defence with his passes and create opportunities for teammates.
READ: In Touch With Vincent Rammoni
Relebohile Mofokeng
He was on the bench when Pirates met Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup semi-finals last season, but he is likely to feature this time round as he has become one of the most important players in Jose Riveiro's side. Still on a high after recently going on trial with Premier League outfit Wolves, Mofokeng will be determined to keep making a mark to impress potential suitors out there.
Evidence Makgopa
The former Baroka FC striker joined Pirates last season, but did not feature in the Soweto derby. With game time now coming a bit more for the striker, there is a good chance that he will get an opportunity to play on Saturday and try to get on the score sheet to boost his confidence going forward.
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