Da Cruz confident Kaizer Chiefs are ready for Soweto Derby

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz says his side are approaching Saturday’s Soweto Derby with confidence after their 3-0 victory over TS Galaxy in the Carling Knockout.

The result has lifted the mood at Amakhosi following their elimination from the CAF Confederation Cup on penalties. It also ended a difficult period for the club, which had recorded five draws and only one win in the Betway Premiership, as well as being knocked out of the MTN8 and CAF Confed Cup.

Da Cruz was backed by Kaizer Chiefs’ Sporting Director during that run and will take charge of his first Soweto Derby when his team face Orlando Pirates.

The Frenchman said the fixture held special significance in South African football, with tickets selling out within six hours.

“It’s the most important game in South Africa. Sold out in six hours, one of the best games in Africa,” Da Cruz said at a press conference.

“It divides the country. It’s a good moment for South African football.

“I’m good. We worked well this week with the team, we are confident. But we know it’s a difficult game against a good team, a big team.

“I congratulate Abdes on the job since his arrival at Orlando Pirates. But we are ready for the game.”

Da Cruz believes the clean sheet and three goals against TS Galaxy have strengthened his players’ belief before the meeting with an Orlando Pirates side in good form.

“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 added.

Kaizer Chiefs’ coach, however, said the victory would not change the team’s intention to keep improving, regardless of the result.

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