After Kaizer Chiefs completed a double over rivals Orlando Pirates over the weekend, Soccer Laduma looks at five key lessons from the clash.
Amakhosi needed a late own goal by defender Olisa Ndah to seal the three points at FNB Stadium, registering a 1-0 win over their rivals for the second time this season. Here are five key lessons from the past weekend's derby.
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Shabalala's confidence
Many youngsters would probably be shaking at the knees during a clash of this magnitude, but 19-year-old Mduduzi Shabalala played his first Soweto Derby like he has been around for 10 years. He was confident on the ball and did well enough to get his first 90 minute appearance of the season. His first full match in the DStv Premiership will certainly do a world of good to his confidence.
Chiefs needed Dove
Mozambican international Edmilson Dove returned after missing the 3-2 defeat to Golden Arrows and put up a Man of the Match performance as Amakhosi kept a clean sheet against their rivals for the second time this season. It was his long ball from the back which led to the Ndah own goal, but his overall presence and experience in defence was crucial for Amakhosi.
Kwinika at right back worked
Zwane made the decision to make a slight change in defence, as Zitha Kwinika played at right back and Siyabonga Ngezana moved into central defence to play alongside Dove. Kwinika, who has made a few costly errors for Amakhosi this season, looked a bit more confident at right back and was able to get forward at times and play some long balls into the Pirates box. After it worked so well in the derby for Chiefs, Arthur Zwane could likely keep playing Kwinika in that position while he waits for the return of Reeve Frosler and Dillon Solomons.
READ: Zwane Praises Returning Star After Derby Win
Lorch needs time
Thembinkosi Lorch recently returned from a long layoff and a lot was expected from him in the derby this past weekend, but it showed that he still needs some more time to get back to his devastating best. He forced a save from Brandon Petersen in the first half with a well taken shot, but did not much too much of an impact in the final third for the Buccaneers and was taken off not long after Innocent Maela was sent off in the second period.
Another quiet derby for Saleng
Monnapule Saleng has arguably been Pirates' best player this season, but he can't seem to rise to the occasion in the Soweto Derby. During the first round derby, he was not as influential and this past weekend he lacked his usual edge, as he failed to come to the party in the final third for the Buccaneers.
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