Pirates’ Sibisi vows to help debutants ‘keep their emotions in check’ in Soweto derby versus Kaizer Chiefs

Both Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates will most definitely field players who have never played in the Soweto derby before.

In the last two transfer windows, the two heavyweights have heavily invested in their squads, hoping to dominate Mzansi football. It explains the improved Premier Soccer League race in the ongoing edition, which, as usual, has been orchestrated by the defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns.

Bucs have 38 pointts, the same as Masandawana who have a superir goal difference, while Amakhosi have collected 30 having played a game less.

Sibisi keen on helping newcomers

Pirates might start with the likes Yanela Mbuthuma, Tshepang Moremi, Lebone Seema, Masindi Nemtajela and Andre de Jong who have never played in the Soweto derby before.

“For us as the senior guys in the team who have experienced the derby before, is to try and calm the nerves down because as soon as there is anxiety, performance tends to drop,” club captain Nkosinathi Sibisi said ahead of the game.

“We will help the new guys coming into their first Soweto Derby, and keep their emotions in check,” he added.

Time to help the strikers?

In the last couple of matches, the Sea Robbers have struggled to score despite the many chances created. It contributed to losses against Mamelodi Sundowns and Casric Stars, but the South Africa international insists it is a collective responsibility.

“In derbies, the margins are so tight, and it could come down to one set piece that wins you the game, so it’s not only pressure on the strikers but pressure on us defenders as well for when we get those set piece opportunities. It’s a team effort,” he explained.

“It’s always very important to get a win over Kaizer Chiefs because it’s a big morale boost for everyone involved, whether its the players or the supporters.

“Our supporters have been immense for us this season. They’ve been coming out in numbers whether we play in Durban, Polokwane or Soweto. Wherever we go we always feel at home. We will try to win this one for them and let’s see what will happen at the end of the season,” he concluded.