‘Kaizer Chiefs’ version of Arsenal star Gabriel will decide the Soweto Derby’
Already a man for the big occasion.
Kaizer Chiefs have several reasons to be quietly optimistic before their epic Soweto Derby clash with Orlando Pirates.
Dortley is the real deal
There’s plenty of hype around 22-year-old Rushwin Dortley and for good reason. He’s made a frighteningly quick adjustment to top-level football at one of the continent’s biggest clubs. In the process, he’s become a regular for Bafana Badana. Known for his technical quality on the ball, he’s also got the aerial prowess and aggression needed to operate as an elite central defender. Arsenal fans adore Brazilian star Gabriel for these qualities; and his knack of scoring big goals in big games, notably against Manchester City and North London rivals Tottenham. Fans online are calling for Dortley to be their Gabriel. What a time it’d be to grab his first goal for the club, against arch-rivals Orlando Pirates.
Duba misses out for Chiefs
20-year-old Wandile Duba would have loved to decorate this grand occasion. However, the youngster will spend several weeks on the sidelines after an injury against Free Agents. Opportunity knocks for the likes of Mfundo Vilakazi or new boy Glody Lilepo to start on the right side of the attack. New midfield man Thabo Cele is also a candidate to start in the engine room but the 28-year-old schemer lacks match sharpness. The aforementioned Dortley has featured in 13 of the Glamour Boys’ 14 league outings this term. To say he’s indispensable to their defensive cause is an understatement.
Likely starting XI for Kaizer Chiefs
Big test for Dortley and his colleagues
Bradley Cross, Rushwin Dortley, Inacio Miguel and Gaston Sirino have all embedded themselves into the Chiefs setup but none have stepped out into the cauldron of a Soweto Derby before. Brand new signings Glody Lilepo and Thabo Cele will hope to also stamp their mark on the fixture. New 30-year-old striker Tashreeq Morris, however, must wait a little longer as he’s suspended for this clash. Chiefs boss Nasreddine Nabi will hope for a cohesive performance from his backline, against a Pirates attack bristling with quality.
Will Dortley write his name into folklore by scoring against Pirates?
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