Orlando Pirates midfield grafter Thalente Mbatha has shared his thoughts on the possibility of coming up against Kaizer Chiefs new signing Thabo Cele on Saturday.
The two giants that are considered the pride of Soweto will lock horns in the first Soweto Derby of the season at FNB Stadium.
For Pirates, the match comes with a slight twist, as they have to possibly prepare to go toe-to-toe with some new faces in the Chiefs camp.
READ | Major midfield boost for Chiefs ahead of Soweto Derby!
Cele, Glody Makabi Lilepo and Tashreeq Morris have all arrived at Naturena and two of those three are in contention to feature in the massive clash.
Among them, Mbatha will be somewhat familiar with Cele, as the pair hail from the same township in KwaMashu, Durban.
"I'm happy for him," Mbatha told journalists on Tuesday when asked about Cele's move to Chiefs.
"He is one person who has remained focused n the football industry. He is really passionate about football. Even when he is back home, he creates groups to say let's go and train. He is that person who really pushes [us].
"I could say that me and Thabo grew up in the same environment. We are both from KwaMashu G, just different parts - he is from Area 3 and I'm from Area 4.
"It [facing Thabo] will be a healthy challenge, a healthy environment. We will also feel that we can conquer the area, and they [Chiefs] will also feel that they can conquer the area."
If given the nod by Nasreddine Nabi, Cele will be playing his first derby, while Mbatha returns for his second appearance in this fixture.
READ | Final decision made over Lorch
The match will be played at a sold-out FNB Stadium in Nasrec, South of Johannesburg.
Morris will miss out due to suspension, according to the PSL.
Kick-off is at 15:30.