Kaizer Chiefs fans have over the years been a ‘twelvth player’ on the field and Bobby Motaung urged that culture too on Saturday - when the Soweto giants meet in the mouth-watering derby.

“We have come a long way this season and our fans have been with us through thick and thin in what has been a challenging season for everyone,” said Motaung.

“There is lot of excitement about this game because for the first time in a long time this derby might decide on who wins the league this season. There is a lot at stake. My camp is ready for this game.”

The upcoming Soweto derby is being used as a ‘dry run’ for the Confederation Cup.

“It is very important that our fans buy tickets early and go to the stadium early. We do not want to see any hiccups on Saturday. Our Public Relations Manager together with Supporters relations Manager has been busy with road shows and part of that process is to educate our supporters.

I am confident that by the time we host the Confederations Cup and the World Cup our supporters would be ready. We have to show the whole world that we are indeed ready to host the world,”

Motaung added that the game is also going to evoke memories of what happened in the same stadium in 2001.

“The memories of that fateful day will always stay with us and we continue to pay tribute to all the supporters who lost their lives on that day,” he said also thanking Orlando Pirates supporters for the support they have given Jimmy Tau and his family during the players’s mother funeral in Kimberley last Sunday.