Posted in News, Team News on Mar 03, 2018.
“It’s not always that you have a must-win Derby like this one,” says Steve Komphela, “we can’t afford a slip-up if you look at the log situation.” The Kaizer Chiefs coach was full of optimism after Amakhosi’s pre-match training session on Friday.
Komphela was animated during the session, often consulting with his technical team. “We are basically ready, but we still wanted to once more dot the i’s and cross the t’s,” Komphela commented with a big smile on his face. “It's a big event and all the players want to play in this one.”
Accordingly, the Chiefs coach Komphela points at Kabelo Mahlasela, jokingly saying, “Everybody wants to play in a Derby, even Mahlasela is hoping to be a surprise inclusion in the squad.”
Mahlasela and Emmanuel Letlotlo are ruled out of Saturday’s match, as they haven’t recovered as yet from their respective injuries. “We are glad that Willard Katsande is back after his family bereavement. He will bolster our team.”
As for Saturday’s opponents, Komphela comments, “Orlando Pirates are a formidable side and they have a number of enterprising players.”
You could feel the sense of anticipation as the players walked off the pitch after the pre-match session. “The guys know what lies ahead of us,” remarks Komphela, while keeping a close eye on the players walking past. “We are confident the guys are mentally and physically ready.
“The lads know that this is a game by which history can be written. It’s an opportunity for players to rise and steal the show. This match requires a moment of brilliance and we’ve prepared all our guys to be that player.”
Chiefs played to a one-all draw against Bloemfontein Celtic in their last league outing, while Orlando Pirates beat Chippa United 4-2. On the Absa Premiership log, Amakhosi lie third with 35 and Pirates are second with 36 points. Both are chasing Mamelodi Sundowns, who have amassed 40 points with eight league matches still to go.
“Bring it on,” concluded Komphela, padding his chest with his hand. “We are ready to represent this badge honourably.”
Who will be bragging? Who will bag the three points? Who will occupy second place on the log? We will know all that after the referee’s final whistle at the Soweto Derby.
The mother of all Absa Premiership fixtures will kick-off at 15:30 at FNB Stadium on Saturday, 3 March 2018.
Komphela was animated during the session, often consulting with his technical team. “We are basically ready, but we still wanted to once more dot the i’s and cross the t’s,” Komphela commented with a big smile on his face. “It's a big event and all the players want to play in this one.”
Accordingly, the Chiefs coach Komphela points at Kabelo Mahlasela, jokingly saying, “Everybody wants to play in a Derby, even Mahlasela is hoping to be a surprise inclusion in the squad.”
Mahlasela and Emmanuel Letlotlo are ruled out of Saturday’s match, as they haven’t recovered as yet from their respective injuries. “We are glad that Willard Katsande is back after his family bereavement. He will bolster our team.”
As for Saturday’s opponents, Komphela comments, “Orlando Pirates are a formidable side and they have a number of enterprising players.”
You could feel the sense of anticipation as the players walked off the pitch after the pre-match session. “The guys know what lies ahead of us,” remarks Komphela, while keeping a close eye on the players walking past. “We are confident the guys are mentally and physically ready.
“The lads know that this is a game by which history can be written. It’s an opportunity for players to rise and steal the show. This match requires a moment of brilliance and we’ve prepared all our guys to be that player.”
Chiefs played to a one-all draw against Bloemfontein Celtic in their last league outing, while Orlando Pirates beat Chippa United 4-2. On the Absa Premiership log, Amakhosi lie third with 35 and Pirates are second with 36 points. Both are chasing Mamelodi Sundowns, who have amassed 40 points with eight league matches still to go.
“Bring it on,” concluded Komphela, padding his chest with his hand. “We are ready to represent this badge honourably.”
Who will be bragging? Who will bag the three points? Who will occupy second place on the log? We will know all that after the referee’s final whistle at the Soweto Derby.
The mother of all Absa Premiership fixtures will kick-off at 15:30 at FNB Stadium on Saturday, 3 March 2018.
