Chiefs warned ahead of Soweto derby against Pirates as Mbatha, Mbule whereabouts are explained

Kaizer Chiefs are set to host their traditional foes, Orlando Pirates, on Saturday at the Orlando Amstel Arena.

This will be a massive game for both sides in their bid to challenge for the Premier Soccer League crown in the 2025/26 edition.

Currently, Bucs lead the race with 38 points from 17 games, while the Glamour Boys are second in the log with eight fewer from 15 matches.

In the recent Nedbank Round of 16 outing, the Buccaneers suffered a 5-4 loss to minnows Casric Stars following a goalless draw in both regulation and extra time.

Appollis confident of bouncing back

It was a second loss in a row for the Buccaneers, who had also lost 2-1 to Mamelodi Sundowns in their last South African top-flight fixture at the FNB Stadium.

The last time Amakhosi were in action was on February 14 in CAF Confederation Cup’s Group D outing away to Zamalek, a match they lost 2-1.

With the PSL crown on the line, it explains why no team wants to lose the Saturday’s outing as explained by Bafana Bafana and Pirates’ international Oswin Appollis.

“We will definitely bounce back. We have the whole week to prepare for our next game. So, we will definitely put in the work to focus on the next game,” the former Polokwane City winger told the media.

Where is Mbule and Mbatha?

Meanwhile, there have been questions raised regarding the availability of midfielders Sipho Mbule and Thalente Mbatha. The duo missed the recent Nedbank Cup loss against Casric Stars.

“Carrying injuries,” their agent Mike Makaab responded on the Social Media when asked about the duo.

He however refused to comment more about the nature of the injuries, “It is a club’s prerogative to release news about its players. I cannot comment on behalf of the club,” he concluded.