Soweto Derby: 3 Kaizer Chiefs players at risk of missing Orlando Pirates clash

Kaizer Chiefs are looking forward to the Soweto Derby next weekend but they could be doing it without three key players.

Chiefs will take on bitter rivals Orlando Pirates at the FNB Stadium on Saturday February 28 with the game already sold out and ahead of the match, there are key players that coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef must manage well.

This is because the trio is walking a tight rope as they are a yellow card away from suspension.

Chiefs will host Stellenbosch FC on Tuesday and coaches Kaze and Ben Youssef have a decision to make; either field the players hoping they will not be booked or rest them so that they are available for the derby.

Which Chiefs players could miss Soweto Derby?

Aden McCarthy in action for Kaizer Chiefs. Photo Kaizer Chiefs — Aden McCarthy of Kaizer Chiefs. Photo: Kaizer Chiefs

The players in question are Aden McCarthy, Mfundo Vilakazi and Sibongiseni ‘Ox’ Mthethwa. Of the three, McCarthy is the most vital as Chiefs are short in defence and coming into Tuesday’s match on three yellow cards, he has to be careful.

Kaze and Ben Youssef will badly need McCarthy against Stellenbosch and will also hope to have him for the Pirates match as the as the Chiefs academy graduate looks to get his first taste of the Soweto Derby and follow in the footsteps of his father Fabia, who played in a number of derbies during his five years with Amakhosi.

McCarthy has been a mainstay this season, featuring in 17 matches and scoring two goals, and will want to be involved in both games but he faces the risk of missing his first derby at the weekend.

Less worry over Vilakazi and Mthethwa

Mfundo Vilakazi in action against Magesi FC. Photo Kaizer Chiefs — Mfundo Vilakazi (left) in action for Kaizer Chiefs against Magesi FC. Image: Kaizer Chiefs

Meanwhile, Vilakazi, who is also on three yellow cards, has been in and out of the team this term, making 18 appearances, but has started on the bench in four of their last five matches.

Mthethwa on the other hand has been sidelined since November and is the only player who perhaps stands little chance of being involved in both matches and hence less worry over him.

Chiefs are now under pressure in the league as it is the only competition they are left with. The Glamour Boys are eight points behind leaders Pirates but with two games in hand.