Super Sport Saturday:TKO Soweto Derby After Boks Rugby World Cup Final

Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates are set to clash in the Telkom Knockout quarter final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban at 1500hrs to cap off a superb sporting weekend inclusive of the Rugby World Cup final where the South African Springboks look to claim a third World Cup victory against England this morning.

Chiefs will be looking to reach the Telkom Knockout semifinals for the third consecutive year.

The two Soweto giants square off in a repeat of the 2018 semifinal where the Bucaneers emerged victorious but it is Amakhosi, the Glamour Boys who currently have the swag and momentum going into today’s clash as they enjoy a 5 point ABSA Premiership league lead in 9 games of the season so far.

Kaizer Chiefs midfielder George Maluleka reiterates the need to remain focussed amongst his team to emerge victorious in a clash that is always fiercely contested to the extent of being labelled “final before final”.

For us, it’s very important to remain focused and carry out the game plan, from the technical staff side. We cannot get ahead of ourselves. As a club as a team, we have been doing very well, and we just want to carry on. Because we know as a team where we are going,’ what we are doing and it’s always nice to win against Pirates.”

This tie defaultly becomes the first instalment of the Soweto Derby as the teams are schedules to meet again in a week’s time in a league encounter.

The best hint and indicator that Chiefs are the team to beat was their win over reigning league champs, Mamelodi Sundowns last Sunday which cemented their lead at the top and enhanced their title prospects as they aim to end a title drought spanning over 4 seasons.

The last pieces of silverware came with a league and cup double in the 2014/15 season.

Tickets for the derby were sold out within four hours which makes the clash more interesting and the Boks can cap off the carnival atmosphere at Moses Mabhida stadium by clinching the Rugby World Cup over old foes England in a repeat of the 2007 final.

The celebratory mood will likely reach fever pitch across the country as the Springboks stand on the verge of a super historic feat led by their first ever black captain Siya Kolisi are to claim their 3rd Webb Ellis trophy.

By Gerald Dandah