Soweto Derby: 7 players who could miss crucial Orlando Pirates vs Kaizer Chiefs clash

Several key players from both Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs are walking a disciplinary tightrope, with suspensions looming over them ahead of the highly anticipated Soweto Derby.

Pirates trio on three yellow cards

Orlando Pirates face a potential selection headache as Nkosinathi Sibisi, Andre de Jong, and Mpho Chabatsane are each one yellow card away from a one-match ban. The Buccaneers are set to host AmaZulu on Saturday, a crucial match in their bid to reclaim the top spot in the PSL.

Currently sitting just one point behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, a victory would see Pirates return to the summit, although they will have played two more games. Their title aspirations took a hit in their last outing, where they were held to a 2-2 draw by Richards Bay FC.

Sibisi earned his third caution of the season during the team’s dominant 6-0 victory over TS Galaxy. Meanwhile, De Jong and Chabatsane are carrying over three yellow cards they accumulated at their previous clubs, Stellenbosch FC and Marumo Gallants, respectively. Another player, midfielder Sihle Nduli, is also on three bookings but is not expected to feature due to a long-term injury.

Chiefs quartet could miss Soweto Derby

Their Soweto rivals, Kaizer Chiefs, are in a similar predicament with four players at risk of missing the derby on Sunday, April 26. Flavio Silva, Mfundo Vilakazi, Siphesihle Ndlovu, and Nkosingiphile Ngcobo are all on three yellow cards heading into their final match before the derby.

Silva received his third booking in a 2-1 loss to Stellenbosch FC in February, a match where he also found the net. Vilakazi, who is rediscovering his form, was cautioned for the third time this season during a 0-0 draw against Siwelele last October.

Ndlovu and Ngcobo, meanwhile, picked up their respective third yellow cards in matches against Durban City and Magesi.