Extra spice as the original Soweto derby returns on Sunday, 10 January

The original Soweto derby – Swallows v Orlando Pirates – is back on the local football calendar for the first time since December 2014 and will have extra spice this time around with both sides near the summit of the DStv Premiership.

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Swallows extended their remarkable run of just one defeat in their last 26 games when they defeated Cape Town City 3-2 in midweek, coming through what was a stern test of their early season form.

Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates have drawn half of their eight games this season, and also half of their home games (W2 D2), and with nine goals scored have been surprisingly blunt in attack considering the attacking talent they have at their disposal.

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Swallows have the same record away this season (W2 D2) and have scored double the amount of goals they have conceded on the road: 6-3.

Swallows are one of only three unbeaten sides so far this season, along with Mamelodi Sundowns (W6 D3) and Golden Arrows (W2 D6).

Heading into the Soweto derby, Swallows find themselves second in the log on goal difference behind Mamelodi Sundowns, while Pirates are fifth, eight points behind their opponents on Sunday, but have played one fewer match.

Kick-off at the Orlando Stadium is at 15:30.

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