“It’s still a derby,” stresses Kaizer Chiefs defender Tefu Mashamaite about Wednesday’s match against fellow Soweto side Moroka Swallows. The game will be played at Johannesburg’s FNB Stadium (kick-off at 7:30pm).

Some soccer fans feel that the ‘other Soweto derby’ - the one between the Amakhosi and the Birds - has lost some of its spark in recent years, mostly due to Swallows’ lack of form and shrinking fan base in recent years. However, Mashamaite points to the glorious history of the numerous matches between the two sides.

Besides that, “Swallows will try to use this game to get back into things”, adds Mashamaite, referring to Monday’s sacking of the Birds coach. Former Kaizer Chiefs legend Fani Madida has taken over the reigns as Swallows’ caretaker coach ahead of this Soweto derby.

The Amakhosi have been in a fantastic form this season, having won all 13 PSL matches played so far (eight league matches, four MTN8 games and one Telkom Knockout encounter). But a few critics have noted that Chiefs haven’t scored too many goals in the Absa Premiership (12 goals in eight matches).

“It’s not that we have had a lack of chances,” reacts Mashamaite. “Look, when you keep a clean sheet and you score one, you collect the three points. So why should we worry?” The Amakhosi have only conceded two goals in the eight league matches played so far.

In the absence of the injured Itumeleng Khune, Mashamaite has been wearing the captaincy armband since the MTN8 final. He says: “Being the captain is motivating me. Before, I was the captain at BidVest Wits. Wearing the captaincy armband is therefore not a new experience, but it feels great.”

About Wednesday’s match, he adds: “We have a great work ethic as a team and we will never take anything lightly. We are not focussed on records. Instead, our focus is on one game at the time. The next step is Swallows. We will be ready!”