“You want it more, you get it”

“The win against Sundowns is now water under the bridge,” coach Steve Komphela reflects on Tuesday’s 2-1 win over the Brazilians. “We can’t be complacent. We are focussed on the task ahead and that’s the Soweto Derby. We are ready.”

The win over Sundowns obviously boosted the confidence in the Amakhosi squad. However, as Komphela cautions, “There is a fine line between arrogance and confidence. The team that wants it more on the day will get it.”

The Kaizer Chiefs coach watched his lads going through their pre-match run on Friday. “As you can see, looking at the mood they are in, this is no ordinary match,” observed Komphela. “We just have to manage the euphoria surrounding the event and focus on the mission.”

The Glamour Boys host today, Saturday, Orlando Pirates at FNB Stadium (kick-off is at 15:30).

“We are still a work in progress, but our performance against Sundowns motivated us, as that means that we are moving forward in that process,” Komphela comments, while pointing out that the win came with a squad that has numerous players out due to an assortment of injuries. “This Derby, however, is a totally different ball-game – it’s a special event for South Africa at large. We have worked hard to recover quickly from Tuesday’s match.”

In last season’s home and away fixtures, these nemeses shared the spoils on both occasions. At home, Joseph Molongoane opened the score in the 16th minute, but his strike was cancelled out by Tsepo Masilela’s own goal in the 33rd minute. The away match ended goalless.

“We have created lots of chances in the previous matches,” Komphela highlights. “We continue to polish our finishing touches and we will soon bang them in.”

The teams will walk on the pitch separated by one point on the log. Amakhosi lie in fourth spot with 12 points and the Buccaneers are in third spot after amassing 13 points. Both teams have played eight matches.

It remains to be seen who’s going to gain the bragging rights after 90 minutes. “We want the three points as much as we want our supporters to leave the stadium with a sweet taste in their mouth,” concludes Komphela. “Don’t also forget the Chairman’s birthday; it’s definitely a factor going into this Derby. We are geared to win it.”