Tonight's games to decide Soweto Derby

With the Soweto Derby between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs just three days away, results from tonight's Absa Premiership games featuring both teams could decide the fate of the biggest game on the local soccer calendar.

 

Chiefs are away to Platinum Stars at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium, while the Buccaneers visit Moroka Swallows in the 'original' Soweto Derby at the Dobsonville Stadium.

 

Both teams will no doubt enter their respective games with one eye on Saturday's spectacle. Bucs legend Edward 'Magents' Motale reckons if both teams come up with wins tonight then supporters could be in for a treat at the weekend.

 

"I just wish both teams win tonight," he tells JacaSport.

 

"If Chiefs and Pirates win, then they will both go into the derby high on confidence. If results don't go their way in their respective games tonight, we won't have an open game.

 

"Both teams will be cautious in their approach because no one will want to lose two games in a row and it might end being a scoreless draw."

 

 

Motale added that tonight's game could prove to be a distraction for Pirates ahead of their meeting with The Amakhosi.

 

 

"Some players might reserve their energy for Chiefs because and that could work in Swallows' favour. Playing in the derby (against Chiefs) is huge because you might end up in the national team if you do well so some players will not doubt be thinking about that," Motale concluded.

 

 

However, Pirates spokesperson Mickey Modisane says tonight's game will serve as extra motivation as players will be looking to impress new coach Vladimir Vermezovic.

 

 

"Imagine if a player doesn't do well tonight, he will be dropped (against Chiefs) so it's important for players to do their best ability so that come Saturday they are considered for selection."

 

The last time The Dube Birds played The Ghosts, the game ended in a 3-2 win for Zeca Marques' side. Pirates' last win over Swallows in the league came in 2011.

 

JacaSport