Soweto Derby: What Chiefs coach Kaze fears ahead of Pirates clash

Ahead of the Soweto Derby, Kaizer Chiefs coach Cedric Kaze has explained why the game will be won not just on the pitch but also in the mind.

Chiefs host bitter rivals Orlando Pirates at the FNB Stadium on Saturday with both sides coming into the match after defeats.

With the stakes high given bragging rights besides three points will be at stake, added to the fact that the game is sold out, Kaze admits the game could have an impact on the mentality of his players and that is why he has spent the whole week trying to ease their pressure.

Why Kaze wants to ease derby pressure

“In these kinds of games emotions are very high,” admitted the Chiefs coach. “You spend the whole week trying to lower the pressure, which is the opposite of other games. You need a good balance. When you are too excited or there is too much pressure, they can get scared, and then the execution of the game plan is not as clear as it should be in everyone’s minds.”

Kaze, who was made co-coach with Khalil Ben Youssef when their boss Nasreddine Nabi left the club last September, experienced three derbies last season but that was as assistant coach, and he is now looking for his first win as the main man.  

“The derby is spicy, every time you come to a derby you want to do as much as you can to win. You know you buy yourself a month of happiness with the fans and everyone (if you win). That is just how it is in football,” he added.

Can Chiefs end poor record over Pirates?

“We will do everything to put in a very good performance on Saturday. A good performance will lead to a positive result.”

Chiefs played Pirates three times last season, losing twice and winning once, but in the league, they have suffered four straight defeats against the Buccaneers.

That is a record they badly want to change as they look to close the gap on Pirates, who have 38 points from 17 games, while they have 30 after playing 16.