Soweto Derby in disguise? Chiefs have 13 stars vs Pirates in Carling Cup!
Kaizer Chiefs released 13 players who are part of the Carling Cup final against Orlando Pirates. Could this be a Soweto Derby in disguise?
The 2025 Carling Cup final between Orlando Pirates and Carling All Stars is just hours away.
The two teams will battle it out on Saturday at Moses Mabhida Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00.
Pirates head into the encounter as Carling Knockout Cup champions after defeating Marumo Gallants in the final.
WHY CARLING CUP FINAL CAN BE SEEN AS SOWETO DERBY IN DISGUISE
While Orlando Pirates will not have the majority of their first team regulars, arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs dominate the Carling All Stars team.
Amakhosi boast 13 players in total – first team and reserve team combined, and that’s more than any other team.
Nonetheless, only four Chiefs players were voted into the starting XI, and they’re Brandon Petersen, Thulani Mabaso, Mfundo Vilakazi and Naledi Hlongwane.
However, at some point during the game, the majority of the Chiefs players on the bench could be introduced.
This means South Africa could witness a ‘Soweto Derby’ before the real Soweto Derby which is scheduled for 2026.
WHO ARE AMAKHOSI PLAYERS ON THE BENCH?
Amakhosi will have a whopping EIGHT players on the bench against the Buccaneers on Saturday afternoon.
And here is the list of them below:
- Paseka Mako
- Thabiso Monyane
- Mduduzi Shabalala
- Pule Mmodi
- Aden Mccarthy
- Nkosingiphile Ngcobo
- Manqoba Ozoemena
- Pheko Phago
- Nephtali Mokoena