DStv Diski Challenge: Roscoe rallies Pirates for Soweto derby

Roscoe Krieling may be stepping into his first Soweto derby in the DStv Diski Challenge, but for the Orlando Pirates coach, that milestone carries little weight. His focus remains firmly on ensuring his players are fully prepared.

“We need the boys to understand that every week they have to be mentally ready for a fight,” Krieling told SuperSport.com after their 2-0 victory over Orbit College.

“When you’re at the top, everyone wants your scalp. Everyone wants to beat you. The boys need to grasp that. They can’t take it for granted just because they’re part of a big club. If they do, we’ll get beaten like what happened in Polokwane.”

Pirates have made an impressive start to the season. After 10 matches, they sit atop the DStv Diski Challenge table with 25 points, five clear of second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns. This Sunday, they face a stern test against Soweto rivals Kaizer Chiefs at Solomon Mahlangu Stadium (3 PM).

Amakhosi have endured a tough campaign so far, languishing in sixth place with just 14 points. But Krieling, in his debut season with the Buccaneers after leaving the now-defunct SuperSport United, refuses to underestimate them.

“Form doesn’t matter in derbies. Chiefs will be up for it, and so will we. Our goal is to maintain the lead and keep the gap as wide as possible. The boys need to play the game, not the occasion,” said the ambitious coach, who has openly declared that winning the league is on their bucket list this season.

Pirates, however, have a point to prove. They haven’t beaten Chiefs in the Diski Challenge for two seasons, with Amakhosi completing a double last term, 2-1 in the first round and 1-0 in Bloemfontein in the return fixture.

With Pirates winning four of their last five matches, Sunday’s clash promises fireworks. A victory would not only break their derby hoodoo but also reinforce their status as favourites for the 2024/25 title.