George Maluleka picks one player key to Kaizer Chiefs Soweto Derby hopes

The Soweto rivalry takes centre stage in the Betway Premiership this weekend, where Chiefs and Pirates will be gunning for all three points to ensure they remain in the title race.

For The Glamour Boys, who currently occupy fourth position in the standings – eight points adrift of Mamelodi Sundowns and The Buccaneers, Maluleka reckons Lebohang Maboe holds the key to claiming the victory.

"Lilepo has been doing very well, he's been scoring some crucial goals for them. Maboe as well, he's been getting into the thick of things now and I'm happy to see him running the midfield.

"If Maboe is on form, then Kaizer Chiefs stand a chance."

READ: Happy Jele picks one key Orlando Pirates player for Soweto Derby

'Mido', who featured in 12 Soweto Derbies across his six years in Naturena, also noted where he feels the match could be won or lost come tomorrow.

"If you make school boy errors at the back then you're going to get punished. The defenders need to make sure and keep things clean, because this game might be won or lost if there are mistakes at the back."

The 37-year-old believes with only the Betway Premiership left to play for, Amakhosi need to put all their efforts and focus into the title fight alongside Sundowns and Pirates.

Maluleka believes Chiefs' low returns in front of goal need not be a major factor in their title ambitions, noting how they won it back in 2014/15 under Stuart Baxter as an example thereof.

"If you look at the 2014/15 season, there were a lot of games that we won with 1-0 and 2-1 scorelines. Even with coach Ernst when we lost out at the end of the season, it was the 1-0 victories which pushed us forwards.

"So you don't really have to score a lot. It's just about shutting the back door." 

Catch the live match broadcast of the Soweto Derby on SABC 1, with a one-hour build-up starting from 14:30.