Kaizer Chiefs, still fresh from their 1-0 Coca-Cola Cup defeat by Jomo Cosmos, believe their can raise their game to upset bitter rivals Orlando Pirates in a Castle Premiership match at FNB Stadium on Saturday.

Speaking at the Premier Soccer League (PSL) conference to announce security plans on Thursday, Chiefs PR manager Putco Mafani said the spirit was high in the Amakhosi camp and that the players were fired up for the Bucs clash.

Very little separate the two sides in league duels with Pirates winning three out of their 12 encounters (league) since 1996 and Chiefs two and seven draws. Pirates also scored their biggest league win against Amakhosi last season with a 3-0 drubbing at FNB Stadium but as Mafani said, this will count for nothing come Saturday.

"Past results count for nothing in derbies," said Mafani. "It's the best team on the day that wins but we are desperate for points and we have to win this one. Our players are psyched up and they have forgotten about the Coca-Cola Cup. I just want to promise Pirates and the league that that our supporters will be well behaved but noisy as always."

Assistant coaches Doctor Khumalo and Donald Khuse, still in charge with Muhsin Ertugral on indefinite leave, will almost have a full compliment of player to choose from except for Kenny Niemach, Shaun Permall and Nhlanhla Kubeka who are all recovering from injuries. "Fabian McCarthy’s blister is healing well and he will be ready on Saturday," said Mafani.

McCarthy was hit by an object on the head as rioting fans hurled objects on the field in protest of poor refereing by Daniel Bennett.

Pirates, who enjoyed a six-match unbeaten run until their encounter against Wits University last weekend, are positive of extending their winning run against their rivals to four. "Results from the past weekend are now history," said Bucs PRO Thabiso Parkies.

"We respect Chiefs but we are the best and we have to win the league this season. To do that we have to beat the likes of Chiefs," he said.