Kaizer Chiefs will be approaching the Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates with a worry of new signings handicap.
It is often pointed out that form goes out of the window in Soweto Derby matches and it is all about the team thay rises to the occasion.
The occasion, therefore, needs players with experience to handle the game but Amakhosi go to the derby with at least four players who have not participated in the fixture before.
The Glamour Boys' new signings Rushwin Dortley, Inacio Miguel, Bradley Cross and possibly Gaston Sirino could make things a little bit more difficult for Chiefs in terms of managing the occasion and expectations.
READ: How Chiefs Could Line Up With New Signings
Because on the other hand, Pirates will have only Deano Van Rooyen and Thalenthe Mbatha, as new signings who have not featured in the biggest game in the country.
Indeed, Chiefs had five Soweto derby debutants last season, Given Msimango, Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, Edson Castillo, Ranga Chivaviro and Sibongiseni Mthethwa all featuring in the line-up compared to the Buccaneers, who only had Patrick Masandawana as a new signing.
The experience of Ezimnyama prevailed, after they edged Chiefs 1-0.
Amakhosi did not have such issues in the opening Soweto derby of the 2022/23, as only Dillan Solomons featured on the line-up as a new signing and edged Pirates, who had no derby debutant 1-0.
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The first Soweto derby of the 2021/22 campaign was more open, as Amakhosi had three debutants in the special game, Njabulo Ngcobo, Sibusiso Mabiliso and Keagan Dolly.
The Ghosts had Olisa Ndah, Ntsako Makhubela and Kwame Peprah debuting in the Soweto derby, as they went down 2-1 to Chiefs, who edged the encounter thanks to the quality of Dolly, fresh from overseas, who scored a brace.
The much anticipated encounter is set for 1 February at FNB Stadium.
