As the rivalry between two South African football giants is set to be renewed, pride, history and bragging rights will be on the line when the FNB Stadium hosts the epic showdown on Saturday (3.30 pm).
Here Independent Media Sports looks at the top five players that need to deliver telling performances today.
Yusuf Maart
Consistency has been the issue for the mighty Amakhosi and understandably so as they have recruited a new technical staff.
The 29-year-old hasn’t had a season as solid as he would have liked but he will take a lot of confidence from his showing in the Nedbank Cup last 32 against Free Agents FC last weekend.
Known for his ability to control the tempo of the game and his vast array of passing, Maart will need to come up with a performance sharp enough to win the battles in the heart of the pitch against what will be a well-oiled Pirates team.
Patrick Maswanganyi
The Bafana Bafana midfielder has been a key member of the Pirates set-up and very often when he ticks on the day and finds early rhythm, the entire team usually follows suit.
His recent eagerness to find himself in goal-scoring positions has proven fruitful in the last few games for the Sea Robbers, and his link-up play with the likes of Relebohile Mofokeng will definitely cause issues for the Chiefs defense, which has been found wanting recently.
Popular for his fearlessness to add a touch of flair when in possession to get the crowd and his teammates going, his role in the midfield will be key if Pirates are to get maximum points.
Tshegofatso Mabasa
The Bloemfontein-born striker has a sharp eye for goal but he has not enjoyed the best of seasons in Pirates colors, mainly due to competition from fellow striker Evidence Makgopa.
With the little game time he has had, the 28-year-old has been at his best, and he has regained his starting position for the past few games.
Mabasa has scored four goals in the ten matches he has played in the league, carrying on from the golden boot win he secured last season and he needs to show up today to further cement his place in the side ahead of their busy season.
Bruce Bvuma
The 29-year-old has gotten the nod in the last few matches and whether or not he could be the answer to their goalkeeping challenges, only time will tell.
Chiefs have always been blessed with talented goalkeepers, including the likes of Brian Baloyi, Rowen Fernandez and recently Itumeleng Khune.
Such has been their dip in form that they have been struggling to tie down a consistent number one shot stopper for the last few seasons.
It doesn’t help that the defense has also been shaky and they have been made to pay a huge price, as with just 14 league games they have already conceded 16 goals.
Heading to this weekend, Chiefs cannot afford to maintain their goal conceded average so far this season and Bvuma needs to come to the party as the last line of defense.
Gaston Sirino
Easily the most pleasing player on the eye, the Uruguayan midfielder has had his moments since he moved over from Mamelodi Sundowns but he is yet to reach his optimum peak.
In what will be his first derby match, if he gets the nod, he, just like Chiefs, could be afforded a good change on a grand stage to turn their season’s around and he has everything it takes to make a difference on the day.