Kaizer Chiefs captain Brandon Petersen and Orlando Pirates skipper Nkosinathi Sibisi agree that recent results will have little bearing on Saturday’s Soweto derby.
Pirates welcome Chiefs to a sold-out FNB Stadium for their Betway Premiership meeting, which kicks off at 3.30pm. Both sides go into the match with confidence after recording 3-0 victories in the Carling Knockout Cup in midweek.
Pirates beat Milford FC, while Chiefs defeated TS Galaxy, with both teams advancing to the quarter-finals.
Abdeslam Ouaddou’s Pirates have been the more consistent side in recent weeks, winning seven of their past eight matches in all competitions and losing only once.
Chiefs, managed by Fernando Da Cruz, have endured a more difficult spell. Amakhosi have recorded two wins, two draws and four defeats in their last eight matches in all competitions, increasing the pressure on the coach and his squad.
However, Petersen said the derby would be decided by which team performs best on the day rather than by their recent records.
“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.
Petersen acknowledged Pirates’ strong campaign and praised the way they have approached their matches.
“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.”
He added: “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.”
Sibisi also played down the significance of previous results, saying the balance of power could change once the two teams meet.
“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.
Public opinion has made Pirates the favourites, a label Sibisi said the club would 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.”
Sibisi has been with Pirates for five years and said each derby has retained its importance, regardless of the outcome.
“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.”
The captains were speaking at Thursday’s pre-match news conference at SuperSport’s studios in Randburg.
