Soweto derby: Pirates and Chiefs told to embrace pressure

Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs head into the 186th Soweto derby with renewed confidence after midweek cup victories, but both coaches say their players must manage the pressure of one of Africa’s biggest domestic matches.

Pirates beat Milford FC 3-0 in the last 16 of the Carling Knockout Cup, while Chiefs returned to winning ways with a 3-0 victory over TS Galaxy at FNB Stadium. The Betway Premiership derby takes place at Pirates’ home ground on Saturday at 3.30pm.

Pirates are regarded as favourites after winning seven and losing one of their past eight matches in all competitions. Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side also hold the Premiership title.

“Being favourites doesn’t give you the guarantee that you are going to win the match because football is open and we know Chiefs is a big club,” Ouaddou said on Thursday.

“We are also a big club and among three of the biggest teams in Africa. We must bring the fighting spirit to the table and represent our fans very well.”

Chiefs have endured a more uneven run, recording two wins, two draws and four defeats in their last six games. That sequence included Friday’s elimination from the Caf Confederation Cup in the final stage before the group phase.

However, Amakhosi have often produced their best performances in the Soweto derby. Under-pressure manager Fernando Da Cruz has also been concerned by his team’s lack of goals, although Wandile Duba’s hat-trick against Galaxy provided a timely boost.

The contrasting form of the two clubs has led to debate over which side faces greater pressure. Both Ouaddou and Da Cruz said pressure was unavoidable, but urged their players to use it positively rather than allow it to overwhelm them.

“When you are in sports, you need to have positive pressure to bring happiness to yourself and those around you,” Ouaddou said. “I told my players pressure must not stop them from doing good things and showing their capacity to play.”

“This is not only the biggest derby in South Africa but one of the biggest in the world. We have to give everything on the field by being physical and playing entertaining football. We will have to play with high intensity and try to reach a level.”

Ouaddou added that mental composure would be crucial against Chiefs. “If you allow bad pressure to stop you from playing, you will encounter problems.”

Da Cruz said his players must handle the expectations surrounding the match at the packed, 94,000-seat 2010 World Cup final venue.

“I cannot answer for the opponents [about which team is under more pressure], but for our players it will be positive pressure. The players must manage it so they are able to play a good game with intensity and commitment.”

The Chiefs coach said the victory over Galaxy had lifted confidence, particularly because his side kept a clean sheet.

“We are going into this game with confidence because we won our last game and didn’t concede. When you keep a clean sheet, it helps with confidence, but there is always a reason to improve the team even when we win.”

Da Cruz acknowledged Pirates’ greater experience, with several players having featured in international competitions for the club or Bafana Bafana, but said Chiefs’ younger players were familiar with the derby.

“Experience does not only come from age but from how many times you have played matches of consequence,” he said. “We also have young players who are used to playing in the derby and they will be ready to play on Saturday.”

Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi expects a fierce but fair contest after the previous derby became physical, with Chiefs midfielder Siphesihle Ndlovu criticised for unsporting tackles.

“We were caught by their level of physicality and I think some of their challenges were over the top and not fair,” Sibisi said. “As Pirates, we just want to play football.”

He added: “We will just try to create as many chances as possible and score as many goals as we can.”