Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro expects Saturday’s Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs to be an exciting encounter for the spectators if both teams stick to their style of football.
South Africa is expected to come to a standstill on Saturday afternoon as the two biggest clubs in the country battle for three points and bragging rights at the FNB Stadium.
Speaking to the media at the Soweto Theater in Jabulani on Thursday, Riveiro praised his rivals, and was impressed with how they’ve played so far this season.
The #SowetoDerby legends have come out to play today! #Amakhosi #Buccaneers @iol @IOLsport @orlandopirates @KaizerChiefs pic.twitter.com/F4wwiQMvHg
— Zaahier Adams (@ZaahierAdams) January 30, 2025
“I think Chiefs are playing really well this season. I don’t think that the log is a reflection of Chiefs performances in the league so far, if I am honest,” the Spaniard, seated alongside Nasreddine Nabi, said at the press gathering in Soweto.
“They are creating a lot of chances in each and every game and they are playing attractive football and that’s the same thing we are trying to do at Pirates.
“If we are both, let’s say loyal to the football we were playing in the previous games, I think it’s going to be an interesting game for the fans,” said Riveiro.
Here are the main men of the #SowetoDerby! @iol @IOLsport @Betway_za @orlandopirates @KaizerChiefs @OfficialPSL pic.twitter.com/zYY6ROmygx
Pirates and Riveiro are hoping to bag a third league win in a row over their rivals. Last season, Pirates did the double over Chiefs, winning 1-0 and 3-2 in their two games.
Going into Saturday’s game, Nabi said that on paper, Pirates were the favourites.
“The history of the derby in every part of the world has shown that there is no real favourite. Maybe favourite on paper, but when it comes to the field, we believe the chances are going to be 50/50,” said Nabi.
Pirate are currently second in the Betway Premiership, six points behind champions Mamelodi Sundowns, while Chiefs are fifth.
IOL Sport