Soweto derby: Chiefs and Pirates insist recent form will not decide FNB Stadium clash

Kaizer Chiefs captain Brandon Petersen and Orlando Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi agree that recent results will carry little weight when the two sides meet in the Soweto derby on Saturday.

Pirates welcome Chiefs to a sold-out FNB Stadium for their Betway Premiership fixture, which kicks off at 3.30pm. Both clubs go into the match with confidence after recording 3-0 victories in the Carling Knockout Cup during the week. Pirates defeated Milford FC, while Chiefs beat TS Galaxy, with both teams advancing to the quarter-finals.

The Buccaneers have the stronger recent record under coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, winning seven of their last eight matches in all competitions and losing once.

Chiefs, managed by Fernando Da Cruz, have endured a less consistent spell. They have recorded two wins and two defeats and four losses in all competitions during the same period, increasing the pressure on the coach and his squad.

Petersen acknowledged Pirates’ impressive run but said the outcome would depend on which side performs best in the match itself.

“The derby at times is not really about form, but it is about who is the hungrier team and who wants it the most on the day. On Saturday, we will make sure that we are 100% ready for a fight,” he said.

The Chiefs captain also recognised the quality of Pirates’ performances, describing their approach as quick and attack-minded.

“They have been on a good run this season and they come from last season as [league] defending champions. That is football and people are going to give them the upper hand but for us it is important to ensure we are aware and respect that.

“They have been playing good football and getting good results but that serves as motivation for us. We know what we are up against and we know it is going to be a fight out there.”

Speaking at Thursday’s pre-match press conference at SuperSport’s studios in Randburg, Sibisi echoed Petersen’s view that the derby could quickly overturn the form guide.

“With what I have experienced with the derby in the past years, past results count for nothing. You might be favourites because of recent results but on Saturday that can change,” he said.

Pirates are widely regarded as the favourites, a status Sibisi said the club should accept while recognising the responsibility attached to it.

“We shouldn’t shy away from being called favourites, but we have to take that responsibility and pride of representing the club as best as possible by getting a positive result on Saturday.

“I have been fortunate to be part of this club for five years and every derby is special. We have won and lost some but for me the excitement remains the same.

“It is always exciting to be part of this match and we want to win to make our supporters happy.”