Soweto derby debuts: Five key players set for their first taste of South Africa’s biggest rivalry

Regarded as the biggest sporting spectacle in South Africa, the Soweto derby is one of the football matches that most domestic footballers dream of playing in.

As such, the upcoming clash between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates at FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon (3.30pm kick-off) will see some players from both sides make their debut.

Below, we look at those key players.

Masindi Nemtajela | Orlando Pirates

Nemtajela has enjoyed a dream start to life at Pirates this season, fitting like a glove into coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s philosophy.

The diminutive midfielder is quick with his feet and scans his surroundings before executing a direct pass. His understanding of the game has made it easier for him to link up with Makhehleni Makhaula, who operates as a central defensive midfielder.

While Nemtajela is a team regular, he could still work on his finishing. He has the ability to get himself in the right channel inside the box, but eventually lets himself down with his final product.

Flavio Silva | Kaizer Chiefs

After disappointing performances during pre-season, Silva has redeemed himself as the season progressed at Chiefs, scoring six goals in 18 games across all competitions for the team.

Most of his goals have come from close range, showing his clinical nature inside and around the penalty area. His prowess is primarily with his feet, but he can score with headers as well, having already scored one in the league this season.

Silva still has room for improvement, however. His link-up play with his teammates – particularly in the final third – still leaves a lot to be desired.

Khanyisa Mayo | Kaizer Chiefs

When Mayo joined Chiefs this season, these were the sort of matches that he dreamed of playing in, following in the footsteps of his father and Chiefs legend, Patrick Mayo.

The young Mayo hasn’t had a seamless start to life at his childhood club, having been largely halted by injuries. Nevertheless, his quick feet make him one of the deadliest strikers in the league.

Mayo is able to take on players and link up with his teammates up front. However, the pressure to do well at the club seems to get to him at times. For example, he recently had Pule Mmodi's goal-bound effort chalked off after latching onto the ball and tapping it into the net while coming from an offside position.

Oswin Appollis | Orlando Pirates

Appollis has arguably been Pirates’ best signing this season. He has a positive impact on the team’s performances in their chase for a domestic treble, especially up front.

The former Polokwane City man is creative when he’s on the ball as his pace and sharp reflexes allow him to cut in and find his teammates with well-executed passes in the final third. He has a knack for goals as well, hence coach Abdeslam Ouaddou plays him as a false nine at times.

Appollis still has ample room for improvement, however. He can still challenge himself to take shots from distance, something that could aid the team’s scoring chances.

Andre de Jong | Orlando Pirates

De Jong arrived at Pirates with huge expectations, following an impressive stint with Stellenbosch. After making five appearances so far for the team, the New Zealander has been lukewarm, scoring only one goal.

De Jong’s return in front of goal might not have been great, but he still makes up for that by linking the play in the final third, holding up the ball and creating space for his teammates to have better chances at goal.

The Kiwi revealed recently that he wants to play in big games for Pirates as that will boost his chances of making the World Cup squad for New Zealand. Indeed, those games do not come as big as the Soweto derby.

*Mihlali Baleka is Independent Media's senior football reporter and a panelist on the group's soccer podcast, The D-Line, which is exclusive on our YouTube channel The Clutch