Midfielder Mohau Nkota is poised to make his first official appearance in the Soweto Derby, which is billed for FNB Stadium in Johannesburg this coming weekend.
Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs are set to meet in what promises to be a humdinger in a sold-out affair on Saturday.
Jose Riveiro's men beat Amakhosi both home and away in the league last season, with Mannupuleng Saleng scoring a brace in the last outing, a five-goal thriller in March 2024. Thabiso Lebisto scored the other goal for the men in Black and White, while Ashley Du Preez also scored a brace for Chiefs.
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Pirates go to the titanic clash beaming with confidence following their fine performances so far this season in both the domestic league and CAF Champions League. For the latter, they have already qualified for the quarter-finals, while also breathing down the neck of Sundowns for first spot in the Betway Premiership.
Riveiro has introduced a number of youngsters to the team this season, including Nkota, Boitumelo Radiopane, and Siyabonga Ndlozi, who made his official debut for the side during a Champions League match against Al Ahly in Cairo.
Nkota started the Nedbank Cup match against Richards Bay FC in KwaZulu-Natal on Sunday, and the 20-year-old is amongst players that could make their first appearance in the derby.
Assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi says the young brigade at Pirates is ready for the big stage on Saturday.
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"It's impressive what our team has done (this season). In one match, we played seven DDC [DStv Diski Challenge] players. The opponents are also doing the same. For me, the experience that they have gathered in us (playing in) Africa and playing them against the biggest teams in Africa is enough experience.
"I don't see them [being] overshadowed by moment. We believe in them, the coach trusts them. If given the opportunity, I believe they will perform," said Ncikazi during a press conference ahead of the big game.
Kick-ff is at 15h30.