Staff Reporter.
The much-anticipated Soweto derby between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs is the headline fixture this weekend as the DStv Premiership holds its final round of matches prior to a two-month break encompassing the 2022 World Cup.
The derby takes place at FNB Stadium on the afternoon of Saturday 29 October and sees Pirates – fresh from back-to-back wins and earning a spot in the MTN8 final – take on a Chiefs side which missed out on said final and has failed to win any of their last three matches.
Kick off is at 3:30.
Here is what they had to say ahead of the biggest game in South African football.
JOSE RIVEIRO (ORLANDO PIRATES COACH)
“The points are very important, we need the points. We want to end the first half of the season as high as possible and for that to happen we need to collect three points.
“The occasion is what it is, the Derby is always going to be a special game. But at the end of the day, it is about three points.
“It is going to be special. But like I have said before, we should be having more points and now we have an opportunity (for three more). It will be boost for our mood, the future and all other things.
“We would really love to finish this first part of the season with three more points that are going to keep us in a good position for the second part of the season.”
ARTHUR ZWANE (KAIZER CHIEFS COACH)
“We are looking forward to a difficult game because someone said that Pirates are oozing confidence. They have been winning games and are also in the final of MTN8.
“But when Chiefs and Pirates meet, previous form counts for nothing. What matters most is on the day of the game as to who is going to be in charge of the game, who’s going to dictate terms, who’s going to take goal-scoring opportunities that will be created. So, it’s all about that.”
The weekend’s action opens on Friday with a KwaZulu-Natal derby between Maritzburg United and Golden Arrows at Harry Gwala Stadium, while Saturday – aside from the Soweto derby – also features Marumo Gallants at home to Cape Town City and Royal AM looking to claim the scalp of champions Mamelodi Sundowns at the Chatsworth Stadium.
Sunday’s headlined clash sees SuperSport United play host to Swallows FC, with the former putting a fine run (six wins from their last seven league outings) to emerge as title contenders – though coach Gavin Hunt has played down their chances.