Soweto derby to be dictated by midfield battle

Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates face each other tomorrow

Soweto's fallen giants, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, will be hoping their midfield maestros, Teko Modise and David Mathebula, string passes for their marksmen to gain victory tomorrow.

Amakhosi need Kaizer Junior and Shaun Bartlett to score in the absence of suspended Mabhuti Khanyeza. The Buccaneers will be hoping Gilbert Mushangazike and Excellent Walaza, who did not disappoint in Durban last year, are at their best. Whatever the outcome of tomorrow's game, fans can expect sparks to fly when these two meet.

Pride will be at stake when the Soweto giants face off in what is billed as one of Africa's biggest derbies. Both teams will be hoping to improve their chances of making it into the top eight come end of the season.

Neither teams' position on the log reflects their pedigree. Chiefs are ninth on the table while the Buccaneers, who at one point looked like title contenders, are two places below in 11th.

Last year they played to a pulsating 2-all draw in Durban and their coaches expect nothing less tomorrow.

"This is a mother of all clashes. My first experience in Durban was something out of this world. It was a thrill a minute and I am really looking forward to this game," said Pirates mentor Owen de Gama.

Chiefs coach Mushin Ertugral said he will approach the game very careful. "I hope we will find the right direction … it's definitely going be a nice game," he added.