Posted in News, Team News on Mar 01, 2018.
“We want to win the Soweto Derby, because we are seriously challenging for the league title,” says Ramahlwe Mphahlele ahead of Saturday’s Absa Premiership match against Orlando Pirates.
The Kaizer Chiefs defender was in a straightforward mood at the Derby press conference that was held at the PSL offices on Wednesday afternoon. So when Orlando Pirates’ Happy Jele indicated that he wasn’t thinking about the league title, despite his club being in second place, ‘Rama’ shot back: “Happy, you must be lying, because we are in third position, but we are fighting for the league title.
“We don’t need to beat around the bush. That’s also why we, as Kaizer Chiefs, need to win on Saturday. And if you are really not thinking about the possibility of winning the league title, then why not send your MDC side to play the Soweto Derby – if winning the league doesn’t matter.”
Of course, it was all with a smile on his face, but Mphahlele had a point. Both Chiefs and Pirates still have a shot at the league title - Amakhosi are five points behind log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, while the Buccaneers are on four points.
Mphahlele missed the last Derby on 21 October 2017, due to a knee injury. He did play in both league Derbies last season, which ended both in a draw, respectively 0-0 and 1-1.
“I haven’t won an official Derby,” he admits. “Both teams have quality and we often cancel out each other’s strengths. However, no player goes into a Derby saying that he wants to draw.”
The defender returned to Chiefs’ starting line-up in the Nedbank Cup Last 32 game against Golden Arrows, which was convincingly won, 3-0. He also played in the last two league fixtures, Cape Town City (1-0 win) and Bloemfontein Celtic (0-0 draw).
Amakhosi have collected 35 points from 22 games, having scored 19 and conceded only 12.
“We have been doing great from a defensive point of view, achieving a lot of clean sheets,” Mphahlele comments, “but we have been struggling with our finishing in front of goal, even though we are creating a lot of chances to score more. We have been working hard at training on the finishing aspect of the game, even today. However, the finesse of finishing is not something a coach can teach, it has to come from the player, it’s all about keeping composed in front of goal.”
The 28-year-old is fully aware that Chiefs need the three points on Saturday to stay in contention for the league title. “That’s why we need a result,” Mphahlele concludes.
Game information:
Orlando Pirates versus Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on Saturday, 3 March (kick-off at 15:30).
Where to buy tickets:
Computicket and Shoprite/Checkers outlets nationwide
Cost:
R100.00 - Level 1; R150.00 - Level 2; R70.00 – Level 5
Advice:
Please come early to the stadium on Saturday and buy a parking ticket. They can be bought at Computicket and Shoprite/Checkers.
The Kaizer Chiefs defender was in a straightforward mood at the Derby press conference that was held at the PSL offices on Wednesday afternoon. So when Orlando Pirates’ Happy Jele indicated that he wasn’t thinking about the league title, despite his club being in second place, ‘Rama’ shot back: “Happy, you must be lying, because we are in third position, but we are fighting for the league title.
“We don’t need to beat around the bush. That’s also why we, as Kaizer Chiefs, need to win on Saturday. And if you are really not thinking about the possibility of winning the league title, then why not send your MDC side to play the Soweto Derby – if winning the league doesn’t matter.”
Of course, it was all with a smile on his face, but Mphahlele had a point. Both Chiefs and Pirates still have a shot at the league title - Amakhosi are five points behind log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, while the Buccaneers are on four points.
Mphahlele missed the last Derby on 21 October 2017, due to a knee injury. He did play in both league Derbies last season, which ended both in a draw, respectively 0-0 and 1-1.
“I haven’t won an official Derby,” he admits. “Both teams have quality and we often cancel out each other’s strengths. However, no player goes into a Derby saying that he wants to draw.”
The defender returned to Chiefs’ starting line-up in the Nedbank Cup Last 32 game against Golden Arrows, which was convincingly won, 3-0. He also played in the last two league fixtures, Cape Town City (1-0 win) and Bloemfontein Celtic (0-0 draw).
Amakhosi have collected 35 points from 22 games, having scored 19 and conceded only 12.
“We have been doing great from a defensive point of view, achieving a lot of clean sheets,” Mphahlele comments, “but we have been struggling with our finishing in front of goal, even though we are creating a lot of chances to score more. We have been working hard at training on the finishing aspect of the game, even today. However, the finesse of finishing is not something a coach can teach, it has to come from the player, it’s all about keeping composed in front of goal.”
The 28-year-old is fully aware that Chiefs need the three points on Saturday to stay in contention for the league title. “That’s why we need a result,” Mphahlele concludes.
Game information:
Orlando Pirates versus Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on Saturday, 3 March (kick-off at 15:30).
Where to buy tickets:
Computicket and Shoprite/Checkers outlets nationwide
Cost:
R100.00 - Level 1; R150.00 - Level 2; R70.00 – Level 5
Advice:
Please come early to the stadium on Saturday and buy a parking ticket. They can be bought at Computicket and Shoprite/Checkers.
