“I am happy, feeling energized,” stresses Kaizer Chiefs captain Tefu Mashamaite when asked about the pressure of a Derby.

“Pressure is for people without money, always wondering where their next food will come from. People come to cheer us, to motivate us. That’s not pressure, that’s a wonderful experience.”

Amakhosi face Orlando Pirates in an Absa Premiership clash at the FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon (kick-off at 15:30).

Ahead of this clash between two giants, Chiefs hosted a press conference at the FNB Stadium on Thursday afternoon.

“We have had a great journey so far this season,” continues Mashamaite. “As a result of this, there is very positive spirit in the camp.”

“The Derby is about pride. We ask the supporters to back us up, even if things don’t always go our way. We know what is at stake. There is so much love to get out of this.”

Chiefs Marketing Director Jessica Motaung spoke about the meaning of the Soweto Derby, especially in the Club’s 45th anniversary year. She also mentioned that Saturday’s Derby will be the 155th since the first on 24 January 1970, about two weeks after Amakhosi’s birth.

“Out of these 154 matches,” mentioned Motaung. “Chiefs won 67 games, Pirates 36, 46 ended in a draw and five were abandoned for a variety of reasons.”

She furthermore reiterated that “the Soweto Derby is one of the most important on the African sporting calendar.”

On Saturday’s game, she said: “The team is 100 percent focused on the task awaiting them, knowing that nothing less than a victory and three points will satisfy the team and our supporters.”

Rowen Gangulu, Vodacom Brand Manager: Sponsorship and Regional Marketing, added some words as well: “Vodacom has made a commitment to bring fans closer to their teams, this not only for Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates fans but for all soccer lovers in the country.”

Amakhosi coach Stuart Baxter concluded the press conference with the following remarks: “To have to play a game against Ajax Cape Town on a Wednesday - sandwiched between an African Champions League match and a Derby - is not easy. However, we got the three points. Now we should enjoy the match on Saturday.”