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Soweto derby revealed

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Oupa Manyisa will be back in action in the Soweto derby on Saturday. Picture: Gallo Images
Oupa Manyisa will be back in action in the Soweto derby on Saturday. Picture: Gallo Images

Attack, attack, attack – this is what supporters want from Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates on Saturday, judging by their votes. And they were not drunk when they cast their votes for this year’s Carling Black Label Champion Cup.

The supporters have spoken and what they say goes.

It doesn’t matter whether coaches agree with their system or not, the votes count more. This is the only opportunity for followers to come out on top and have a voice in their teams’ selection.

This game might be a friendly, but it’s all about the supporters, as they want bragging rights before the start of the season.

It does not only give coaches a chance to gauge their preparation for the season, but also gives newcomers the experience of playing in front of a packed stadium.

Soweto derby line-ups

Orlando Pirates

Goalkeeper: Brighton Mhlongo

Defenders: Happy Jele, Ayanda Gcaba, Edwin Gyimah and Thabo Matlaba

Midfielders: Oupa Manyisa, Thabo Rakhale, Mpho Makola and Issa Sarr 

Strikers: Tendai Ndoro and Thamsanqa Gabuza

Kaizer Chiefs

Goalkeeper: Itumeleng Khune 

Defenders: Eric Mathoho, Tsepo Masilela, Lorenzo Gordinho and Kgotso Moleko 

Midfielders: George Lebese, Willard Katsande, Hendrick Ekstein and George Maluleka

Strikers: Bernard Parker and William Twala

Judging by the votes, it seems Pirates supporters still miss former coach Viktor Bondarenko’s instructions – under the Russian, Bucs’ philosophy was to attack, attack and attack even more. Now they want to see the same philosophy applied on Saturday.

Pirates captain Oupa Manyisa is expected to make his long-awaited return on Saturday.

Manyisa has been out of action since September with an ankle injury, but is reported to be ready to feature for the club.

Supporters have missed their “Ace” midfielder and the team was not the same without the 27-year-old.

Despite the uncertainty regarding his comeback, the supporters have voted for him to be included in the team.

From Muhsin Ertugral, Pirates fans want a 4-4-2 formation with Thamsanqa Gabuza partnering Tendai Ndoro up front.

But if their votes are anything to go by, their team will not have balance in the middle of the park as they went for ball players only – Oupa Manyisa, Mpho Makola and Thabo Rakhale.

The only hard man on the side is Issa Sarr, who is fifth on the list and does not get a starting berth.

The back four are obvious choices with Thabo Matlaba and Happy Jele taking the full-back positions, and Edwin Gyimah partnering Ayanda Gcaba in the heart of defence.

Some of the newcomers are expected to come in later during the game so they can get a feel of the derby.

Chiefs look more balanced in the middle with the inclusion of hard-tackling Willard Katsande alongside George Lebese and George Maluleka. But followers have sent a strong message to Steve Komphela that they want to see more of Hendrick Ekstein, who saw little action last season.

Chiefs could be without captain Siphiwe Tshabalala, who is nursing an injury.

Amakhosi supporters prefer Bernard Parker to partner with William Twala up front as they want to even the scores with Pirates, who have been dominating this event in recent years, winning four of the past five competitions.

Last year’s celebrity coach Tumo Katane, who was shouting instructions from the Pirates bench, said it was all about having fun.

He said the experience of leading the Bucs team was overwhelming, but enjoyable.

“It was an eye-opening experience for me. As a prospective coach, sometimes you think you know it all, but then you get there.

“The biggest lesson I learnt was discipline, something that I am implementing in my junior team here in Secunda,” said Katane, who led Bucs to victory.

His Chiefs counterpart, Sidney Molepo, said the 90-minute experience prepared him to take his coaching to another level.

“It has opened doors for me, and I have already completed the C Licence Coaching Course and I can now coach in the second division,” said Molepo.

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