Well, well how do we get today’s briefing up and running? The first thing for me to do is to analyze our performance from Sundays’ game against Santos, which saw us go down 3-1 to the Capetonians for the first time since 1998.

It was only the second time in around 21 clashes in the PSL with Santos that they were able to defeat Chiefs. Having to go down in such a manner to a team who we have had the historical advantage over has been hard for me to swallow. I just felt that after taking an early lead we were unable to stamp our authority on the game, instead we made a number of crucial mistakes, which allowed Santos back into the game.

For long periods, especially in the first half we did not manage to get down the wings and play balls into the danger zone, we allowed the opposition to much time on the ball and they were able to put together a number of short passing moves which allowed them to get an equalizer and find their way back into the game.

Conceding a goal straight from the kick-off at the restart of the second half did not help us either, it was a goal, which we should not have conceded and should have been able to have easily dealt with the danger. With the addition of Arthur Zwane in the second half he gave us some width down the wings, we looked more menacing going forward once he had come on. We had the opportunity to have drawn level when Serge Djiehoua was put through on goal, he could not make the most of the opportunity and he took time in taking a shot at goal which allowed Santos to get back and successfully clear.

Over all it was a disappointing time for us in Port Elizabeth and with just one point in three games we need a major improvement, with the stakes as high as they can be this coming weekend when we take on Orlando Pirates. In three days time we will get the chance to take on Orlando Pirates and having once been on the black and white side of Soweto, I know have the opportunity to see this wonderful occasion when to of the top teams in the country clash from a Chiefs vantage point.

Going back to Ellis Park will be very emotional for a number of fans because of the April 2001 game when 43 fans lost their lives at the stadium, this game will be emotional for me in a different way. I was once upon a time the coach of Pirates and I learnt of the importance of this game while I was at Pirates, I also learnt of great tradition rivalry between the teams and the deep running historical importance of the game.

Being in the Chiefs camp over the past couple days with the build up to this game in mind, I have found the passion to be successful in this game runs just as high in this side of Soweto. During my days at Pirates I was able to beat Chiefs once in October 2004 and even though we might not have won the league during that season, one of the highlights of our season was defeating Chiefs who eventually became the Champions of South Africa that season. As Pirates have not beaten Chiefs since October 2004 we will go all out to ensure that we extend that run over them, and continue to hold township bragging rights over Pirates.

With regards to our preparations for the game things have been progressing along smoothly as they could have under the circumstances, we do know that we will have three players suspended for the game and it has meant that we have had to once again go to plan b. There are still question marks over the availability of Cyril Nzama and Kaizer Junior, while Kaizer begins to show signs of optimism it looks less likely that Cyril will be able to play against Pirates.

Tinashe Nengomasha is back in contention for selection on Saturday; he has served a two-match ban for picking up a red card against Swallows earlier this month and will be able to take up his place in the midfield. Tinashe got some game time on Monday with the reserves and he looked very sharp, so it did him good to get a run out with them and hopefully he will bring that form to Ellis Park on Saturday afternoon.

My final word on the game is that we will put in all the effort we can to ensure that we win the game on Saturday afternoon, there is only one reason we want to win the game and that is because we owe it to our fans to give them reason to smile as the season comes to an end. I know that as important as it is to win the game for the players the fans too would love to see their beloved Chiefs win the game; victory in this game is for you and the fantastic support that you have given the team.

Kosta Papic


Kaizer Chiefs Head Coach