Kaizer Chiefs draw confidence from TS Galaxy win before Soweto derby

Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Mfundo Vilakazi says the team are approaching Saturday’s Soweto derby with renewed confidence after their 3-0 Carling Knockout victory over TS Galaxy.

Kaizer Chiefs face Orlando Pirates at FNB Stadium at 3.30pm, with Pirates having won four of the clubs’ past five meetings. That record leaves Kaizer Chiefs as underdogs, but Vilakazi believes their convincing success against TS Galaxy has lifted the mood within the squad.

“I expect a physical game. Pirates are a good team and they have been doing well, so even us, in our last game against TS Galaxy we scored three goals,” Vilakazi told the media after a press conference in Randburg on Thursday.

The 20-year-old said Kaizer Chiefs’ recent finishing was particularly encouraging after a run of missed opportunities.

“So, I think that will boost our confidence because we’ve been creating chances but not scoring. But in the last match, we scored three, and that will help us boost confidence. The chances we get we must use, otherwise they will punish us.”

Vilakazi was raised in Soweto and watched the derby at the stadium while growing up. After missing the past couple of matches against Orlando Pirates because of injuries, he is now hoping to play a part in one of South African football’s biggest fixtures.

“It means a lot to me because as a young player growing up in Soweto, we used to go and watch the Soweto derby, but today I’m part of the players who will be playing. I thank God for the talent he gave me,” he said.

“I must focus on the game and play the football I know.”

Orlando Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi, meanwhile, said the squad have become accustomed to the high standards demanded by coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.

Ouaddou told his players they needed to do more despite Tuesday’s 3-0 win over Milford, but Sibisi said the coach’s direct approach was understood by the team.

“For some of us who have been with him for the past season, it’s been easier for us to understand what he wants and what he demands,” Sibisi said.

“I think everyone who just came in also learned and understands him because he doesn’t demand good, he wants excellence. Whenever we win 3-0 or 4-0 or 8-0, he will say straight. He is a straight talker, so for us it is to take it in a positive manner and push.”

Sibisi added that victory in the derby would strengthen Orlando Pirates’ confidence as they target the remaining trophies.