Tinashe ‘General’ Nengomasha, having been with the Glamour Boys for almost a decade, is aware that playing in a Soweto derby is a dream for every player.

Games against rivals Orlando Pirates remain some of the fiercest fixtures in the Absa Premiership calendar. It will not be different come Saturday afternoon when the two giants square up at the Soccer City Complex. Kick-off is at 15:30.

The Zimbabwean-born midfielder shared his thoughts with kaizerchiefs.com ahead of the Titanic battle. “The derby remains one of the most anticipated games in South African football calendar. It was like that before I arrived here and it has remained like that over the years.

“It is a big game and one has to look at the attendance of the Telkom Knockout final last season, that even broke the attendance record of the World Cup."

‘Nengo’, as Nengomasha is sometimes called by his teammates, will never forget the day when then coach Muhsin Ertugral gave him an opportunity to make his first derby appearance in 2002.

“I recall making my first derby appearance at the old FNB Stadium. I was amazed about how passionate the fans were about the game.

“The stadium was packed and both teams had big name players. It was such a wonderful occasion and a dream come true for me to be part of such a massive game. "

Nengomasha watched the last game against Cape Town All Stars on the stands as both his countrymen, Willard ‘Cheese & Onion’ Katsande and Lucky ‘Sheriff’ Baloyi controlled the midfield.

“No one is guaranteed a place in the team. Just like in life there are no guarantees in football. I was happy for the guys and, most importantly, we were able to proceed to the next round of the competition.

“It is too early for me to say I am ready for Saturday, as I did not play our last game. We have, for the past two weeks, worked hard in training and, hopefully, we can perform as a team on Saturday and bring smiles to the Kaizer Chiefs faithful,” added Nengomasha.