The day has finally arrived for the two giants of South African football in Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs to clash at FNB Stadium, with so much at stake including bragging rights, as well as the three points to add to chances of possible qualification for the CAF Champions League.
With Mamelodi Sundowns appearing to be on their way to another title defence, all that Pirates and Chiefs and the rest of the teams in the league can focus on is to compete for finishing second which is a guarantee for a place in the prestigious continental competition.
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While Pirates and other teams who are still in the Nedbank Cup are still hopeful of silverware if they win the competition, the same cannot be said about Chiefs.
Amakhosi were beaten in the Last 32 of the competition by second tier outfit Milford FC, which makes competing for the best possible finish in the league even more important for the Soweto giants.
For Pirates, going back to Africa is a priority after the team disappointingly exited the continent's elite interclub competition in the preliminary stages this season.
Furthermore, Jose Riveiro has mentioned before that winning the league is the main aim for Bucs, apart from having previously won the MTN8 two times, as well as the Nedbank Cup since arriving in Mzansi in 2022.
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Following their game against bottom placed Cape Town Spurs on Wednesday, the Spanish mentor couldn't hide his disappointment after the 1-1 draw in Orlando, and the tactician will in no doubt be looking for redemption at the expense of arch-rivals this afternoon.
A victory for the Buccaneers could improve their place in the top four, depending on results from other matches this weekend.
Predicted Pirates Line Up:
Sipho Chaine, Tapelo Xoki, Olisa Ndah, Thabiso Monyane, Innocent Maela, Makhehlene Makhaula, Miguel Timm, Karim Kimvuidi, Relebohile Mofokeng, Patrick Maswanganyi, Tshegofatso Mabasa.
