For over a month the entire country has been captivated by the performances of the Amakhosi and their Soweto rivals Orlando Pirates, as both teams marched on in the Absa Premiership it meant that the stakes could not be higher for the teams fifth official meeting this season.

Its one against two as Chiefs play host to Pirates at the FNB Stadium on Saturday in a top of the table Absa Premiership clash described by many as a title decider, a win for Chiefs will allow them to move above Pirates and into first place on the standings.

With so much on the line the excitement has been building all week long and the talk on taxis, busses and amongst families and work colleagues has been about the Soweto derby. Not since the teams meeting during the 2004 – 2005 season has there been so much riding on the outcome of a Soweto derby.

Recent history

Never in the history of the Soweto derby in the PSL era have Chiefs and Pirates met in five official matches during the same season, Pirates defeated Chiefs already this season over two legs in the MTN8 semi – finals while Chiefs have twice defeated Pirates this season. During the Telkom Knockout Cup.

Final as well as during the earlier league clash between the sides, that win was Chiefs first over Pirates in a league game since the 2007 – 2008 season.

The Amakhosi will be looking for their first league win at home against Pirates since that win in May 2008 when they play host to Pirates on Saturday afternoon.

Victory for Chiefs over Pirates will also see them record for just the second time in PSL history home and away league wins over Pirates, the previous time they managed this was during the 2005 – 2006 season. Chiefs have had a good run against Pirates at the FNB Stadium in league games in recent year, their last four outings against the Buccaneers at the venue have seen them win three games and draw one.

Current form

The form of both teams has helped add to the hype ahead of this match Chiefs have lost just one game in 2011 of the nine that they have played in this year, The Amakhosi’’s form of late has been sublime while Pirates have yet to lose in 2011.

The Bucs last defeat in the league was at the hands of the Amakhosi back in November, with both teams showing good form in front of goal a healthy offering of goal mouth action is on the menu for what will be a tantalizing clash.

Missing out

Chiefs are in the fortunate position of having a full strength squad to choose from without any suspensions while Pirates are minus Clifford Ngobeni and Tlou Segolela for the game.