Soweto Derby's Top 10 High-Priced Talents
Put Your Money Where the Ball Is: A Peek at the Biggest Assets in the Soweto Derby!
This weekend, Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs go head to head in the intense Soweto derby, vying for a spot in continental competition. Both sides need a win to keep pace with Stellenbosch, Cape Town City, and SuperSport United in the scuffle for CAF qualification. But who are the key players to watch out for? Let's break it down with the top 10 most valuable players, according to Transfermarkt.
10: Young Guns Rise
Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi, aged just 25, shares a R17 million valuation with a few others on both teams. Above his peers in terms of age, he's shown promise with six clean sheets in 11 appearances this season — even though he hasn't featured this year.
9: The Sharp-Shooting du Preez
At R18 million, Kaizer Chiefs' forward Ashley du Preez is one of the most priceless assets in the Soweto derby. Despite his modest output this season with three goals, the former Stellenbosch player has the potential to light up the pitch — as demonstrated by his nine goals last season. An injury may have slowed him down, but he's still a force to be reckoned with.
8: Aim High with Mabasa
Tshegofatso Mabasa, Orlando Pirates' striker, is valued at R19 million. Although he's been on loan at various clubs since joining in 2019, his undeniable goalscoring prowess is back with the Buccaneers. With six goals in 13 games this season, he boasts the league's highest efficiency rate.
7: The Eagle-Eyed Frosler
Kaizer Chiefs' defender Reeve Frosler, worth R20 million, is a jack-of-all-trades. At 26, he's one of the club's long-term players, having joined them back in 2019. His versatility and consistent performances in the right-back position have earned him the trust of all six coaches during his time at the club.
6: The Indomitable Maart
Yusuf Maart, a midfielder with Kaizer Chiefs, boasts a valuation of R20 million. Having joined the club at the beginning of last season, his value has steadily risen. His endurance and hard work on the pitch have earned him the lead in minutes played for two seasons running. Plus, who could forget his memorable long-range strike during the Soweto derby last season?
5: A Trio of Tie-Breakers
Three players share the title of fifth-most valuable player, with a R20 million valuation. Tapelo Xoki, a defender for Orlando Pirates, is one of them. He's joined by teammate Nkosinathi Sibisi. Xoki's five goals this season have played a crucial role in securing points for Pirates. Sibisi, on the other hand, has been a stable figure in the team's defense, despite missing some matches this season.
4: The Rock in the Heart of the Defense
Given Msimango, a center-back for Kaizer Chiefs, has been a standout defensive asset for the team. He's played the most minutes this season, and his R22 million valuation speaks to his potential for growth and resale value. Msimango is part of a Chiefs defense that has conceded the second-fewest goals this season.
3: The Ageless Marvel
At 31 years old, Keagan Dolly is a Raider of the Lost Art on the pitch. Dolly's invaluable technical skills and the few years he may have left in his career make him a vital cog in the Kaizer Chiefs machine at a R22 million valuation. While injuries have taken a toll on his consistency, his impact on the field cannot be ignored.
2: A Force to Be Reckoned With
Monnapule Saleng, thePlayer of the Season for Orlando Pirates last year, is valued at R26 million. Despite a stop-and-go season, Saleng remains a crucial player on the wings. His one goal this season pales in comparison to his 15 goals and 11 assists in all competitions last season — when he made his debut in October.
1: The Herculean Guardian
According to Transfermarkt, Nkosinathi Sibisi and Saleng share the top spot for the most valuable player on Orlando Pirates at R26 million. Sibisi, a forceful center-back, joined the team in 2022 and has become a solid presence in their backline. Last season, he played more minutes than any other player across competitions. Despite missing some games this season, he still ranks among the league's top center-backs.
So there you have it! Keep an eye on these top talents as the Soweto derby unfolds, and don't miss a moment of the action. And remember, these rankings are subject to change based on player performance and market trends, so it's always worth checking Transfermarkt for the most up-to-date information. Now, it's time to place your bets wisely!
In the intense Soweto derby, Ashley du Preez and Tshegofatso Mabasa, both valued at R19 million, are key strikers to watch for their goalscoring abilities. These two footballers have shown great promise and could determine the outcome of the match.
