Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi has dismissed the notion that Orlando Pirates are favourites to win the Soweto derby on Saturday.
Pirates host Chiefs at the FNB Stadium this weekend and pundits have tipped them to win the match and make it four straight victories over the Glamour Boys, owing to their good form this season, compared to the inconsistent Amakhosi.
However, while Nabi recognizes the improvements Pirates have made under coach Jose Riveiro, he feels the derby will bring out the best in his team who have an equal chance of collecting the three points on offer.
Riveiro has built ‘beautiful house’
“Yes, why not. It is okay for me Pirates are favourites,” Nabi said during the Soweto Derby pre-match press conference on Thursday when asked if he agrees that Pirates are favourites.
“I believe where Orlando Pirates are in terms of their process, they started a few years ago under the current technical team. They are right now where they have been building and enjoying a very nice view of a beautiful house that you have built on the ocean,” he added.
However, Nabi was quick to point out that anything can happen on derby day as his team should not be counted out.
Will Pirates beat Chiefs?
“But the history of the derby in every part of the world has shown that there is no real favourite. Maybe favourite on paper, but when it comes to the field, we believe the chances are going to be 50/50,” he added.
“We just hope that it is going to be a good game of football and the one that will be good on the day, concentrated on what to do, will carry the day and we hope it will be us.”
Chiefs last beat Pirates in February 2023, when they secured a 1-0 win, but Riveiro’s men have since won 2-1, 1-0 and 3-2, completing the double last season, and are looking to extend the record to four straight wins on Saturday.
