Posted in News, Team News on Nov 08, 2019.
Mulomowandau Mathoho has been rejuvenated this season after missing most of the 2018/19 season through injury. The lanky defender has been back to his best in the 2019/20 campaign already featuring in nine Absa Premiership matches. Last season Mathoho only played in four league games. He is now looking ahead with renewed optimism as Chiefs get set to face archrivals Orlando Pirates in an Absa Premiership game this Saturday afternoon at the FNB Stadium at 15:30.
Mathoho who has featured in nine league Derbies for Chiefs against Pirates is ready for the challenge that the Derby will throw up on the weekend in front of what will be a sold-out crowd.
“it’s going to be tough and they definitely won’t go easy on us,” says Mathoho. “The nature of the Derby is such that even if a team is not doing well. When Chiefs play Pirates everyone lifts their game. But we are ready for any challenge especially this season. We must fight the full 90 minutes and we want to get the three points.”
While Chiefs might not have had a good run in league games against Pirates in the last few years, Mathoho is not focusing on the stats and is instead only concerned of being well prepared for Saturday’s clash.
“Personally, I don’t focus on the stats, I just want to go out there and do well. We might not have been doing well last season, but this season we are much improved, and I can’t wait for the game,” he adds.
For Mathoho it was always his ambition to play in the Soweto Derby and now that he could be featuring on Saturday, he will be aiming to make the most of his chances. “When I was young, I always watched Chiefs and Pirates play. I said to myself that one day I will play for Chiefs against Pirates. Now that I have played and hopefully will play in the Derby this Saturday and many more in the future, I am happy to have realised a life-long dream.”
With the big game fast approaching Mathoho is eager to get out in front of a capacity crowd to take on Pirates. He concludes: “I enjoy the Derby, it’s hard for me to explain, but I love it - the atmosphere and everything. We play many games in a season against good teams but the Derby against Pirates is what I have dreamt about playing.”
Mathoho a double league winner with Chiefs in 2012/13 and 2014/15 could well feature in his 152nd Absa Premiership game for Chiefs when they host Pirates in the 168th official Derby game on Saturday afternoon. Kick-off for the game is at 15h30. Should he get a run on Saturday, Mathoho will feature in his 10th Absa Premiership game of the season.
Mathoho who has featured in nine league Derbies for Chiefs against Pirates is ready for the challenge that the Derby will throw up on the weekend in front of what will be a sold-out crowd.
“it’s going to be tough and they definitely won’t go easy on us,” says Mathoho. “The nature of the Derby is such that even if a team is not doing well. When Chiefs play Pirates everyone lifts their game. But we are ready for any challenge especially this season. We must fight the full 90 minutes and we want to get the three points.”
While Chiefs might not have had a good run in league games against Pirates in the last few years, Mathoho is not focusing on the stats and is instead only concerned of being well prepared for Saturday’s clash.
“Personally, I don’t focus on the stats, I just want to go out there and do well. We might not have been doing well last season, but this season we are much improved, and I can’t wait for the game,” he adds.
For Mathoho it was always his ambition to play in the Soweto Derby and now that he could be featuring on Saturday, he will be aiming to make the most of his chances. “When I was young, I always watched Chiefs and Pirates play. I said to myself that one day I will play for Chiefs against Pirates. Now that I have played and hopefully will play in the Derby this Saturday and many more in the future, I am happy to have realised a life-long dream.”
With the big game fast approaching Mathoho is eager to get out in front of a capacity crowd to take on Pirates. He concludes: “I enjoy the Derby, it’s hard for me to explain, but I love it - the atmosphere and everything. We play many games in a season against good teams but the Derby against Pirates is what I have dreamt about playing.”
Mathoho a double league winner with Chiefs in 2012/13 and 2014/15 could well feature in his 152nd Absa Premiership game for Chiefs when they host Pirates in the 168th official Derby game on Saturday afternoon. Kick-off for the game is at 15h30. Should he get a run on Saturday, Mathoho will feature in his 10th Absa Premiership game of the season.
