The Buccaneers sit fifth in the league standings having accumulated 30 points after 19 matches while Amakhosi are a place below their arch-rivals.

The Sea Robbers also have the better form coming into the massive clash having won two of their four matches since coming back from the mid-season break due to the African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Jose Riveiro's charges started 2024 with a creditable 1-1 draw against reigning league champions Mamelodi Sundowns, which saw them hold out for the majority of the second half with 10 men following a red card to midfielder Miguel Timm.

They then ran riot in their Nedbank Cup clash against lower-tier opposition, thrashing Crystal Lake 6-0, before sneaking a 1-0 victory over Polokwane City when they returned to league action.

The Buccaneers faltered somewhat in their midweek game at home against Cape Town Spurs after being held to a 1-1 draw by the league's bottom dwellers so fail to take winning momentum into the derby.

Amakhosi, meanwhile, had had a tough time since returning back to the field in 2024, having only scored one goal in open play in four completed matches.

That lone strike, courtesy of teenager Wandile Duba, came in their latest encounter which was a much-needed 1-0 league victory over Golden Arrows but the result papered over a poor overall performance.

Chiefs have struggled for fluidity and penetration upfront as they played to consecutive goalless draws against Royal AM and Moroka Swallows.

Interim head coach Cavin Johnson also suffered the humiliation of having to watch his team fail to break down lower-tier opposition, Milford FC, in the Nedbank Cup before being dumped out in a penalty-shoot.

The legion of Kaizer Chiefs around the country have certainly shown their displeasure at the team's performances but Johnson knows a win in the enemy will definitely go a long to appease some fans.

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