Amakhosi midfielder Josta Dladla insists that he and his teammates have many seasons of experience to help them stay focused ahead of their top of the table clash this Saturday against arch rivals Orlando Pirates, despite the hype surrounding the game.

Speaking to kaizerchiefs.com Dladla who started Chiefs last league outing a 2-2 draw against Santos on Sunday is hoping to see some game time against Pirates.

“It was good to get a start against Santos. We have a good squad and a strong one it is the coaches choice as to decide who starts. Like any other player I would love to start the game against Pirates.”

The Chiefs midfielder says that he and his teammates will use past campaigns to help them deal with pre-match nerves saying, “if I said I was not feeling any nerves I would be lying.

It is not just because we playing Pirates that we might feel nerves, before any game the feeling to me is the same.

Because I want to do well in every game that I play in, obviously given the nature of this game all of those feelings are doubled. We know that what happens in this game can change the complexion of the league table.

On the plus side we have the experience and know how to deal with the situation, this team has been in pressure situations previously and we have handled our selves well.”

Dladla believes that keeping focused on doing a good job for his team will help him manage the occasion well, “you can keep yourself calm by working on your game in the build up to the match, and if you have the desire to want to do well then everything will go well.

Personally I want to do well in this game and so does the rest of the team that will to succeed will definitely help us.”

In conclusion Dladla said of Saturday’s game, “at the end of the day its just you the ball and the opponent, everything else is not important being confident with your early touches is important.

Get the fans behind you and things will go easier”.