Collen Hans
Itumeleng Masite
BOTH SIDES LOOKING AHEAD TO BOUNCE BACK AFTER DROPPING CRUCIAL POINTS
It’s redemption time for two Soweto giants, Kaizer Chiefs FC and Orlando Pirates FC. The two outfits are expected to lock horns at a packed FNB stadium this afternoon. Three points and pride will be at stake and it’s a sold out affair match.
This will be the second derby match under the banner of Betway Premiership League with the first one won by Pirates in February thanks Patrick ‘Tito’ Maswanganyi who slotted home an njury -time panenka that gave Bucs a 1-0 slender win and three points.
This afternoon’s match is expected to be filled with high intensity, vengeance and pulsating pit-a-pat action packed and fun filled perfomance for fans.
BACK TO THE STORY!!!
The Soweto derby between these two Betway Premiership giants was first contested in 1970 and the match between these rivals attracts large fanbase and is recognised as one of the biggest derbies in Africa.
Both teams are desperate and in need of the three points. For Amakhosi the three points will propel them closer to the top 8 while the Buccaneers who are hoping to still challenge Sundowns for the league title will reduce the point’s gap between them and the Tshwane giants.
For both teams it’s a mammoth task Chiefs are fresh from a draw and a loss to Marumo Gallants while Pirates are still reeling from two losses inflicted by Sekhukhune United FC midweek and a painful exit from CAF Champions League semi-finals at the hands of Pyramids FC in Egypt
At a joint Betway pre-match packed media conference held in Melrose Arch in Johannesburg both coaches and players of these outfit gave their match reviews.
Chiefs Coach Nasreddine Nabi first acknowledged the importance of this Soweto derby arguing that it has got more than football.
“Derby has something beyond football. It’s more of a cultural way of life. Chiefs or Pirates win on Saturday won’t be a surprise.”
” I think that Saturday’s game will be just like any other derby. It’s going to be a very tough game. We are more aware than the first one of what we can do, but the possibilities will be open for both teams. “Notwithstanding that result, we believe we will be ready for what we are facing on Saturday.”
Bucs Gaffer Riverio told packed journalists it’s a must win match for his charges. “For us our fans and our club.
We are going to celebrate a massive football time again.
“The mood is surprisingly good,” Riveiro said. “I can tell you that this season we’ve developed a capacity to overcome any kind of obstacle and to find motivation among ourselves.”
Bucs Legend Lucky Lekgwathi told the audience playing a derby is like playing a cup final.
“Derby is a special game.”
Lehlohonolo Majoro who played for both outfits felt these are kind of matches where strikers are always being judged.
“For me I deserve a pat on the back because I played for both teams in derbies.”
At the same event Nelson Makamo, internationally renowned artist tasked with designing the new Betway Premiership trophy told the audience the much awaited trophy will soon be unveiled.
“The designing project has not been an easy one. It required a lot of responsibility. But I hope all what I have put together will inspire the nation and bring football closer to the communities. The trophy is a symbol of the past. Therefore when designing we had to honour the people who founded the league and the football fans.”
Bucs Skipper, Innocent Maela, said it’s a special feeling to play in a derby.
“Form doesn’t count in a derby match, we know that from our experience as players. The fact that we have lost our past two games is now history and water under the bridge. We are going there to play the match and not the occasion because the occasion will be too big to handle.”
Amakhosi captain, Yusuf Maart said each and every player is excited and happy to play the derby. Each and every player always dream about playing in a derby match. The mood in the camp is positive and we are excited and we know as players what the derby means to us and the entire country.”
