Kaizer Chiefs head coach Cavin Johnson has given an update ahead of the DStv Premiership Soweto derby against rivals Orlando Pirates at the FNB Stadium on Saturday, 9 March.
Kick-off is at 15:30 and as reported by The South African website, the match is SOLD OUT.
Orlando Pirates could complete only their second ever season ‘double’ over Kaizer Chiefs having won their league clash 1-0 in November last year thanks to a 20th-minute winner from Evidence Makgopa.
The Buccaneers last completed a league ‘double’ over Kaizer Chiefs in the 2008/2009 season under then coach Ruud Krol.
It remains the only time the Buccaneers have beaten Amakhosi home and away in the same season since the PSL’s professional era kicked off in the 1996/1997 season.
Kaizer Chiefs have four Soweto derby ‘doubles’
For the record, Kaizer Chiefs boast four Soweto derby league ‘doubles’ over Orlando Pirates in 2005/2006 (Ernst Middendorp), 2019/2020 (Middendorp), 2021/2022 (Stuart Baxter) and 2022/2023 (Arthur Zwane).
Below, what Cavin Johnson had to say ahead of kick-off:
How do you prepare for the game that’s on everybody’s lips?
Ja, it’s big. People at taxi ranks, petrol stations, supermarkets, everybody is talking about the derby. As the coach, I try to take my players completely away from the noise, and keep them at The Village. We try to stay away from social media as much as possible because it’s a distraction from our focus.
Our preparations have gone very well. We have picked a very good match day squad. At the end of today’s final training session, I am satisfied that they are focused and ready to ‘die for the badge’ on the field.
Is everyone fully fit and available?
Haha, if I told you that I would be giving away half of my team sheet, so I would rather keep that information to myself until the team is announced. You know how derbies go, it’s best to keep quiet.
What is your assessment of the opposition?
Our team of analysts have done their job diligently. They have watched Orlando Pirates numerous times, and I expect them to be much better than they were during the week (when they drew against Cape Town Spurs). We know more or less what they will bring. I expect regulars like Makgopa, Timm, Ndah and Hotto, who were absent against Spurs, to feature against us. We are aware of the quality they have, and I believe we have the quality to counteract whatever they bring and, more importantly, the mentality to go out and do it in front of 100 000 people.
Message to the Amakhosi faithful
Please come out to support us and enjoy the festivities. Come out in full Amakhosi regalia as a show of solidarity with us. We want to win for all of you who love Kaizer Chiefs. We will rise!