It’s that time of the year again when family, friends and households will be divided for 90 minutes as Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs do battle in the 102nd match of the Soweto derby.

SoccerClub writer Byron Lukas predicts Orlando Pirates’ starting XI for their much-awaited Soweto derby clash with Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday, 5 March.

Orlando Pirates will go into the match with some positives to take following their goalless draw with Cape Town City in the DSTV Premiership on Wednesday.

The Buccaneers currently sit in fourth place with 32 points from 21 games, level on points with arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs who claimed all three points on Saturday with an injury-time winner from Khama Billiat against 16th place Baroka FC.

Pirates will, however, be without their star man, Thembinkosi Lorch, for their Soweto derby clash after he suffered a hamstring injury ahead of Wednesday’s match against Cape Town City. The Soweto giants will also be without Vincent Pule who has not fully recovered yet, while their target man, Gabadinho Mhango, hasn’t played much this season.

On the other side of Soweto, Kaizer Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter confirmed via the club’s official website that they have a full squad available following Bernard Parker’s return and Leonardo Castro and Lebogang Manyama is expected to get more game time.

Meanwhile, both teams will be looking to go for all three points. If not, it will seriously dent their title challenge as Mamelodi Sundowns are sitting comfortably at the top with 51 points from 22 matches.

Kick-off is scheduled for 3:30 pm.

Predicted Orlando Pirates starting XI:

Goalkeeper: Siyabonga Mpontshane

Defenders: ​​Bandile Shandu,Kwame Perah, Happy Jele, Paseka Mako

Midfielders: Thabang Monare, Goodman Mosele, Kabelo Dlamini, Deon Hotto

Forwards: Kwame Perah, Zakhele Lepasa.