Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz confident ahead of first Soweto derby

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz says his side are ready for the pressure of Saturday’s Soweto derby against Orlando Pirates after their 3-0 win over TS Galaxy lifted morale.

Da Cruz will take charge of his first meeting between the two clubs at FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon (3.30pm), with Chiefs having advanced to the Carling Knockout Cup quarter-finals after beating TS Galaxy on Tuesday afternoon. They will face Siwelele sometime next month.

The victory was particularly significant given TS Galaxy’s record against Chiefs, while the result followed public backing for Da Cruz and his technical team from the club’s sporting director, Kaizer Motaung Jr.

Motaung Jr released a statement supporting the coach after a poor run of form, which included Kaizer Chiefs’ elimination from the CAF Confederation Cup in the qualifying rounds.

Those developments have helped create a more positive mood around Chiefs before what Da Cruz described as one of the biggest matches in South African football.

Speaking at a press conference at SuperSport Studios in Randburg on Thursday afternoon, the coach appeared relaxed in a black and white suit with a black and gold striped tie. He also addressed the media in English, having previously needed fitness coach Julien Le Heran to interpret from his native French.

“It’s the most important game in the South African (football calendar),” Da Cruz said. “I think it’s one of the biggest games on the continent. It divides the country. I think it’s a good spectacle.

“I am good. We have worked well this week with the team. We are confident. But we know that it will be a tough game against a good, big team. I would like to congratulate Abdes (Ouaddou, the Orlando Pirates coach) for the good job since he arrived, but I think that we are ready to play this match.”

Orlando Pirates coach Abdes Ouaddou has acknowledged that his team will start the derby as favourites.

Pirates go into the match in strong form across all competitions, while Ouaddou is unbeaten in Soweto derbies after guiding his side to a win and a draw in last season’s league meetings.

However, Da Cruz’s assured demeanour suggests Kaizer Chiefs will approach the contest with renewed belief as they prepare to face their rivals at FNB Stadium.