Orlando Pirates captain Innocent Maela and his Kaizer Chiefs counterpart Yusuf Maart want their respective teams to win the Soweto derby not just for the three points but bragging rights as well.
Pirates host Chiefs at the FNB Stadium on Saturday and have been labeled favourites to triumph due to their impressive results this season, compared to the Glamour Boys, who have had an inconsistent run.
Maela says the Buccaneers, second on the table with 27 points, six behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns and with two games in hand, are enjoying the fruits of their hard work.
Pirates reaping what they sow
“We worked really hard throughout the years for us to be really where we are today but I also think the focus that we have on a daily basis, doing the small things right, making sure that we are consistent in that space so that when it is time for us to go, we execute our plan,” Maela said on Thursday.
“You dream of playing such matches with a full crowd and thank God it has happened on a few occasions and it is always nice feeling the division at home, you can see the passion and love and it makes you fall even more in love with the game,” he added.
The two captains then weighed in on what they expect on Saturday, where a win for either team will be vital not just for their respective ambitions but for pride as well.
“We are looking forward to an open game, two teams playing for a win. It is going to be a good day, exciting,” added Maela.
Bragging rights at stake
“Unfortunately, not for us as players. As footballers, we need to focus on the game. We can’t really enjoy the atmosphere as much and like my coach has already said, as a team, we have grown to a level where we can switch off the noise and just focus on our execution.”
Chiefs have been labeled the underdogs in the match but Maart looks at it differently.
“Each and every game is important to win and for us to win it will also be important for the fans and the bragging rights so I think it will be really important for us,” said Maart.
Both sets of teams have a number of young players who have been doing well, leading to the match being called the ‘Cocomelon derby.’
Whose youngsters will shine?
Pirates have the likes of Relebohile Mofokeng and Mohau Nkota while Chiefs have Mduduzi Shabalala, Mfundo Vilakazi, Samkelo Zwane and Wandile Duba, although the latter will not play on Saturday due to injury.
“As senior players, we are here to help them, whenever they need guidance, we provide guidance for them but I have to say the young boys have been amazing, their humility, the way they train and prepare themselves for matches, their focus is on another level,” said Maela.
Pirates have won the last three Soweto derbies with Chiefs last securing a win in February 2023, adding onto the pressure for Nasreddine Nabi’s team.
