The much-anticipated Soweto derby between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates is fast approaching and iconic Chiefs captain Itumeleng Khune says the game will be about bragging rights.
Amakhosi, the hosts, will be crossing swords against their ferocious rivals Pirates at the FNB Stadium on Saturday. Kick-off is at 3.30pm.
Khune, 36, boasts the most Soweto derby appearances, with 27, among all the active players.
Speaking to the media during the Soweto derby press conference at MultiChoice City in Randburg on Thursday, Khune said beyond getting maximum points, claiming bragging rights will also be important.
“We want to claim bragging rights going into the festive season,” Khune said.
“We will go out there and give our all because every derby that we play always feels like a cup final for us.
“The stakes will be high, and the game will be a must-win for us because we know that the fans demand a lot from us as players. We know that we must do when we go into that field and that will be to deliver three points.”
Both teams have been on a topsy-turvy run in the DStv Premiership this season but go into the match high in morale having won their previous league games this week.
Amakhosi on a high in top 8
Amakhosi leapfrogged to number seven on the log standing after their 3-2 win over Cape Town Spurs on a quiet Wednesday night FNB Stadium following the spectator lockout.
Pirates, on the other hand, remain just outside the top eight on position 10 following their hard-fought 1-0 win over Sekhukhune United on Tuesday.
With the Buccaneers coach Jose Riveiro yet to win a derby match in the local Premiership, the Spaniard says breaking the duck and claiming three points is the most important thing for him.
“The three points will be important for us because we didn’t start the league the way we wanted,” Riveiro said.
“We dropped points in games that we shouldn’t have so each and every point now becomes more important and hopefully this time around the points in the derby will be going to Orlando.”
