Orlando Pirates – The Buccaneers’ Attacking Arsenal

Starting XI: Chaine – Sebelebele, Hotto, Seema, Sibisi – Mbatha, Makhaula, Mofokeng – Appollis, Moremi, Mbuthuma

Bench: Bulethelezi, Chabatsane, Ndaba, van Rooyen, Dansin, Nemtajela, Maswanganyi, de Jong, Makgopa

Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is clearly in attack mode. With the explosive trio of Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, and new danger man Mbuthuma leading the line.

Orlando Pirates are built to hurt Chiefs on the break.

Relebohile Mofokeng in midfield adds creativity and legs, while the experienced Makhaula anchors the engine room.

The backline looks solid with Sibisi and Seema in the middle, and Hotto and Sebelebele on the sides expected to overlap and helo when in attack.

But the real story is the firepower up top — this is a team ready to entertain and score.

Fresh legs on the bench like Makgopa and Maswanganyi mean Ouaddou has plenty of ammunition to change the game late on.

Kaizer Chiefs – Amakhosi’s Bold and Balanced XI

Starting XI: Petersen – Cross, Monyane, McCarthy, Msimango – Mthethwa, Maboe, Ndlovu – Lilepo, Mmodi, Duba

Bench: Bvuma, Frosler, Miguel, Cele, Chislett, Shabalala, Da Silva, Vilakazi, Velebayi

Chiefs are coming in with a plan set on disrupting Pirates’ midfield fluidity.

Captain Brandon Petersen leads from the back, while the midfield trio of Maboe, Ndlovu and Mthethwa brings steel in midfield.

The attacking threat rests on the shoulders of Glody Lilepo, Pule Mmodi and Wandile Duba — three players who can produce magic on their day.

Amakhosi are mixing experience with hunger, and that bench (especially Frosler, Vilakazi & Shabalala) gives them serious rotation options.

This is not just a derby — it’s a tactical chess match wrapped in pure passion.

Will Orlando Pirates’ attacking stars shine again like they did in February?

Or will a steel-plated Chiefs produce the revenge they crave?

Visit MDNtv YouTube Channel for our video content

The post Pirates unleash attacking firepower as Chiefs go all-in on youth! appeared first on MDNtv.

At the previous clash, overcrowding at FNB Stadium raised serious alarm after more spectators gained entry than the number of tickets sold — prompting tighter measures this time around.

SAPS Major General Fred Kekana says authorities will be on high alert for illegal activity when Orlando Pirates face Kaizer Chiefs in Sunday’s Betway Premiership blockbuster.

Tickets for the match sold out within 24 hours of release last month, underlining the massive demand for the fixture.

Addressing the media in Johannesburg ahead of the derby, Kekana issued a firm warning to supporters.

“We want to request to our people that substance abuse will not be allowed. Selling fake tickets will not be allowed; it is a crime and you will be arrested,” he said.

He also stressed the importance of maintaining discipline and respecting the spirit of the game.

“Fighting will not be allowed because sport is meant for entertainment. One team wins and the other loses — that is part of football.

“If you do not have a ticket, do not come near the stadium. You will be arrested for fake tickets. No firearms or weapons will be allowed on the stadium premises.”

With gates opening at 10:00 and kick-off scheduled for 3pm, fans have been urged to arrive early and comply with all regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable derby experience.

Visit MDNtv YouTube Channel for our video content

The post SAPS crack down on fake tickets ahead of Soweto Derby appeared first on MDNtv.

With the highly anticipated showdown set for 26 April at FNB Stadium, a total of seven players are walking a disciplinary tightrope.

For Pirates, Andre de Jong, Nkosinathi Sibisi and Mpho Chabatsane are all sitting on three yellow cards — just one booking away from suspension.

The Buccaneers still face AmaZulu FC before the derby, leaving coach Abdeslam Ouaddou with a tough call.

He must decide whether to risk key players like Sibisi or rotate his squad and potentially weaken the team for Saturday afternoon’s clash against Usuthu.

There is some relief, however, with Thabiso Sesane returning from injury, offering a defensive option should changes be made.

Meanwhile, Chiefs are facing an even bigger dilemma, with four players — Flavio Silva, Mfundo Vilakazi, Siphesihle Ndlovu and Nkosingiphile Ngcobo — all one caution away from missing the derby.

Co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef now face a selection headache ahead of their clash with Polokwane City onSaturday afternoon.

The potential absence of Silva and Ndlovu, in particular, would be a major blow, given their influence in Chiefs’ recent resurgence.

With everything on the line, both Soweto giants must now balance risk and reward — knowing one wrong move could cost them dearly in South African football’s biggest fixture.

Visit MDNtv YouTube Channel for our video content

The post Seven stars risk missing Soweto Derby in suspension scare appeared first on MDNtv.

Petersen made an immediate impact on his comeback, keeping a clean sheet as Amakhosi secured a convincing 2-0 victory over TS Galaxy at FNB Stadium.

The 31-year-old had been sidelined since February due to injury, missing five matches, including the Soweto Derby.

Before his setback, Petersen had been in outstanding form, registering 12 clean sheets in 17 league appearances and establishing himself as one of the most reliable goalkeepers in the Betway Premiership.

Kaze highlighted the importance of having his captain back in the line-up.

“About Brandon, he is our captain and a player who gives you confidence and stability at the back,” said Kaze. “He is a leader on and off the field, and we are happy that he is back. I hope he can maintain this level of performance going forward.”

The coach also reserved praise for Lebohang Maboe, who has been instrumental in Chiefs’ strong run of form. The midfielder, formerly of Mamelodi Sundowns, has delivered consistent performances, collecting four Man of the Match awards, including three in succession.

Kaze emphasised Maboe’s influence in the middle of the park, noting his ability to control the tempo, contribute on set-pieces, and guide teammates both technically and mentally.

With Petersen back between the posts and Maboe pulling the strings in midfield, Amakhosi will be confident of extending their momentum when they face Magesi FC at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday.

Visit MDNtv YouTube Channel for our video content

The post Coach delighted as Petersen returns to boost Chiefs momentum appeared first on MDNtv.

Amakhosi climbed up to third place on the Betway Premiership log following their impressive 3-1 win over Orbit College, and the mood in the camp is one of belief — but also caution.

Playmaker Ethan Chislett says the squad is fully aware that past results count for nothing heading into their next assignment.

“Confidence is high, but we know we can still improve,” said Chislett. “We can’t dwell on previous results — our full focus is on TS Galaxy.”

Despite Galaxy’s recent struggles in the league, winger Asanele Velebayi has warned against complacency, pointing to their strong cup form.

“They are a team with character and a strong mindset,” he said. “They’ve done well in the cup, so we expect a tough game.”

With momentum on their side, Amakhosi will be eager to deliver again — and they are calling on their supporters to play their part.

Kick-off is set for 15:00 on Sunday at FNB Stadium.

Visit MDNtv YouTube Channel for our video content

The post Chiefs eye fourth straight win ahead of TS Galaxy clash appeared first on MDNtv.

Instead of a ‘Clash of Titans’ at FNB Stadium, the national team will face Panama in two friendly encounters – first in Durban this Friday and then in Cape Town next Tuesday.

According to Broos, the decision came down to a flinch from a cash-strapped Safa when faced with appearance fees nearing R100 million.

Broos laid out the cold, hard numbers presented to Safa Chiefs Executive Officer Lydia Monyepao:

Brazil’s Price: Approximately $5m (R84.4m) to bring the Seleção to South African shores.

Argentina’s Price: A whopping €5m (R97.9m) to see Lionel Messi and Co. play in Johannesburg.

“It’s easy to say, ‘yeah, why not?’ but we don’t have that money,” Broos admitted.

“Safa made a big effort just to have Panama here; they are not coming for free either.”

Broos argued that a sold-out FNB Stadium (90 000 capacity) would likely have covered the costs, but the financial risk was deemed too high for the association.

While fans may be disappointed, Broos insists that 33rd-ranked Panama is the perfect tactical surrogate for South Africa’s World Cup opener against Mexico on June 11.

Panama employs the same aggressive, high-tempo Central American style as Mexico.

“It will teach us a lot about that style of playing,” Broos said. “The results are not that important, but I don’t want two defeats.”

These matches represent the final Fifa date before the tournament begins, making them the ultimate dress rehearsal for the clash at the Estadio Azteca.

Visit MDNtv YouTube Channel for our video content

The post Broos explains why Safa failed to secure Brazil/Argentina friendlies appeared first on MDNtv.

The iconic Soweto Derby sets FNB Stadium ablaze today at 3h00 PM as Kaizer Chiefs take on Orlando Pirates in a sold-out Betway Premiership clash. This fierce rivalry, a cornerstone of South African football, promises electrifying action and raw passion.

Kaizer Chiefs, playing at home, look to feed off the energy of the 94,797-strong crowd.

Coach Nasreddine Nabi will count on Gastón Sirino and Ranga Chivaviro to ignite the attack, despite the team’s inconsistent form and 8th-place standing.

Orlando Pirates, currently second on the table, arrive with momentum, riding a three-match derby winning streak, including a 1-0 triumph in February. Key players like Relebohile Mofokeng and Patrick Maswanganyi will spearhead the Buccaneers’ challenge, though injuries continue to test their squad depth.

Since its inception in 1970, the Derby has evolved into a cultural phenomenon. Supporters clad in gold (Chiefs) and black-and-white (Pirates) create a vibrant and charged atmosphere. Expect a gritty, physical contest with Chiefs chasing home pride and Pirates aiming to reinforce their supremacy.

Catch the action live on SuperSport 202 or SABC 1.

The post Soweto derby: Kaizer Chiefs vs. Orlando Pirates clash appeared first on MDNtv.