EXPLAINER | All you need to know about Saturday’s Soweto derby

As the two Soweto heavyweights, Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, lock horns in the league at FNB Stadium on Saturday (3.30pm), we bring to light a few crucial things.

Saturday will be the 186th meeting between Pirates and Chiefs. Amakhosi have recorded more derby victories (75), compared with Pirates’ 50, while 55 games ended in a stalemate, with five fixtures abandoned for various reasons.

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz will be coaching in the Soweto derby for the first time, while players like his defender Thabo Moloisane and Pirates’ midfield dynamo Thapelo Mokobodi are expected to make their first appearances in this titanic fixture.

Pirates, who are also the league defending champions, head into this game with better form, having won four of their past five outings, with a single loss in all competitions. Chiefs boast just one win from their past five fixtures, with two draws and two defeats in all competitions.

In the league, Bucs remain unbeaten with seven wins and a draw in their opening eight fixtures. Fourth-placed Amakhosi are also yet to lose in the league, with five draws and three wins, sitting eight points behind second-placed Pirates.

Tshepang Moremi has scored six goals from 10 appearances this season, making him Pirates’ danger man. Moremi scored a brace midweek when Bucs thumped Milford 3-0 in the first round of the Carling Cup.

As for Chiefs, Wandile Duba, who netted a hat-trick in the 3-0 victory over TS Galaxy in the first round of the Carling Knockout midweek, will be crucial. Duba boasts six goals from seven games across domestic tournaments.

Security will be beefed up. Stadium Management SA issued a stern warning that ticketless fans will face arrest if they roam around the venue.

Spectators will first be subjected to a visual ticket check at the venue exclusion zone before being allowed to proceed further into the stadium precinct.