Akpeyi to start in mother of all derbies against Pirates

Super Eagles goalie Daniel Akpeyi has been tipped to start in Saturday’s Derby tie between table toppers Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates at the FNB Stadium.

The Nigerian international, who has been in superlative form for the club, is being banked upon to stop Pirates who are desperate to close the six points gap between them and the Chiefs.

Some analysts and fans alike believe contribution of the goalkeepers will play a major role in the match expected to be watched by over 90,000 spectators. Although the Chiefs failed in their bid to win the Nedbank Cup recently, their pursuit of the premier league title remains on course with the Nigerian contributing in no small measure to the success story so far even as many of the club fans predict that he will again rise to the occasion in the all-important Saturday derby.

Interestingly the match will be a battle of two German coaches Chiefs Ernst Middendorp and Orlando Pirates Josef Zinnbauer respectively.

It is reportedly the first time in 50-year history of the greatest South African sporting rivalry that both coaches will come from European football powerhouse Germany.

Middendorp is aiming to add to the trophy haul of the club easily one of the most successful in the country with 53 domestic titles in the kitty while former Hamburg coach Zinnbauer is leading Pirates in hot pursuit.

The top three clubs on the log will definitely prefer not to lose any more matches from now on.

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Table toppers Chiefs have 45 points, defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns have 41 with Pirates at the third place with 39 points in 20 matches played so far.