Nie Cele
Leading to today’s’ much anticipated Soweto derby match between Soweto arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates Football pundits have made their predictions, bookmakers have made their clandestine calculations and predictions and club supporters have also made their wishes public about their respective clubs. Even players, coaches and teams management are in the same mix . In most cases their families and close confidantes and associates are latent victims in a match of this magnitude.
However the truth is in Football prognostic prediction is a fallacy.
BACK TO THE STORY!!!
Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates are expected to lock horns this afternoon in a mouth-watering DSTV Premiership encounter at FNB Stadium. Three points are at stake and whoever wins today will have the bragging rights fastfoward.
In a build up to this derby match both teams have been blowing hot and cold but coming to this match both outfits collected full maximum points from their respective opponents. Amakhosi beat gutsy Cape Town Spurs 3-2, while Orlando Pirates gained maximum points from their midweek match against Sekhukhune United after a 1-0 slender win.
Prior to this day, Coaches and players spoke to the media at-large and had this to say.
At first both coaches unanimously agreed that form doesn’t count in a derby match between the two teams.
Chiefs interim coach Calvin Johnson told the media his main goal is to make sure his players are mentally disciplined when they go to the pitch.
“Its all about 90 minutes.”
Chiefs Captain and Goalkeeper, Itumeleng Khune had this to say.
“It’s a must win match. Every derby is different because there is always a new cohort of newly signed players.”
Pressed to elaborate further, he revealed that he has featured in 27 derbies in the past.
“We just need to settle down. We ve let ourselves down in the past matches by having a bad start. We urge our fans to come in numbers to support us.”
Bucs Coach Jose Riveiro, told the media his side will try not be emotional in their game approach.
“It’s going to be a party for both sides. We will try and play in a proper way. These are types of games that are more like cup finals.”
Bucs Captain,Tapelo Xoki revealed they always try to stay positive when playing these matches. There are a lot of expectations from both teams. We play every game to win. It’s important to stick to our game plans and we firmly believe results will ultimately come.”
PIC BELONGS TO TIMESLIVE.