Da Cruz confident as Kaizer Chiefs prepare for Soweto derby against Orlando Pirates

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz says his side are approaching the Soweto derby against Orlando Pirates with confidence, but has warned that they face a difficult test in one of South African football’s biggest fixtures.

The two rivals will meet at the sold-out FNB Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 13:00 GMT, as they renew a rivalry that has become one of the most celebrated in African football.

Da Cruz described the derby as a special occasion for South African football, highlighting its significance to supporters and the wider country.

“It’s the most important games in South Africa. I think it’s one of the best games in Africa. It divides the country and I think it’s a good moment for South African football,” he said.

The French coach believes Chiefs have prepared well for the encounter and are in a positive frame of mind ahead of the high-profile meeting.

His confidence comes after his side scored three goals without conceding in their previous outing, a result he believes has given the players a timely boost before facing their fierce rivals.

“I’m feeling good. We worked well this week with the team. We are confident, but we know it’s a difficult game against a big team,” Da Cruz added.

He also stressed that the team’s recent performance would not lead to complacency, insisting that continuous improvement remains a priority regardless of the result.

“We come to the game with a lot of confidence – when you score three goals and don’t concede you’ve got a lot of confidence,” he said.

“But we always want to improve the team, even when we win. So we must keep this confidence when we go to the derby.”

The Soweto derby is one of the most anticipated fixtures on the South African football calendar, with Chiefs and Pirates commanding huge support across the country.

Beyond the three points at stake, the encounter carries significant pride and bragging rights for both sets of supporters, adding to the pressure on the players and coaching staff.

For Da Cruz, the challenge will be to ensure that Chiefs translate their confidence and preparation into a strong performance against a Pirates side determined to assert its authority in the rivalry.

With the FNB Stadium sold out, the stage is set for another eagerly anticipated chapter in the historic contest between two of South Africa’s most prominent clubs.