THE result of today’s Soweto derby will by no means be the Absa Premiership title- decider, agreed coaches Stuart Baxter and Roger De Sa ahead of the battle at Soccer City.
Baxter’s Kaizer Chiefs leads the race at the top of the log table, five points clear of De Sa’s Orlando Pirates.
A win for either of the side could change the complexion of the race for the title, with Amakhosi having the opportunity to widen the gap while a victory for Bucs, who have one game in hand, victory will put pressure on the log leaders.
However, with about 10 matches remaining for each team, it is too early to say that the result of the match will determine the league winner for the season.
“I don’t think this is a (league) decider, but it does give one of the teams a very strong impetus going forward,” Baxter said.
“Yes, this is an important game but to look at it as the be-all and end-all, I’m afraid the winner could go on and lose three on the bounce because they can’t get their heads out of the clouds.
“It is a crucial game, but in many ways it will be a big challenge moving forward afterwards.”
De Sa said that with his side trailing Chiefs on the log, they will have to play catch-up and that a win was non-negotiable for the defending champions.
“We are the ones who are five points behind, so we are the ones who will have to take the game to them.
“We know what’s at stake, but we also have to bear in mind that there are still another 30 points to play for. There are still another 10 matches to be played. But, a win for us is a must,” De Sa.
Confidence is not at its highest in the Bucs camp as the side have dropped crucial points in their past two league games – a 3-2 defeat to Moroka Swallows and a 1-1 draw with Bloemfontein Celtic midweek. There was also a morale-sapping 4- 1 Nedbank Cup defeat to third- tier minnows Maluti FET College.
Captain Lucky Lekgwathi stressed the importance of mental strength for the derby from his teammates.
“We are going through a rough patch, but it is something that is going to pass. We just need to be mentally and physically strong,” said Lekgwathi.
“We are going out there to win the game and claim our bragging rights.”
Despite the run that has been worrying the Bucs’ faithful, the coach believes there have been some qualities that the side could take from their previous games.
He also added that in a derby, it is a whole different game where form counts for nought.
“There are positive things that we can take out from our last few games, like getting better and better as the game progresses.
“The confidence has been knocked, there’s no doubt about that. However, form gets thrown out the window when you play in these types of games,” said De Sa.
While Pirates are suffering from a growing injury list, they are hoping to get influential defender Siyabonga Sangweni back in action for the encounter. The hard-as- nails Bafana Bafana defender has been back at training with the side this past week and is likely to be fit for selection.
Amakhosi, on the other hand, suffered a blow in their midweek 2- 0 win over Chippa United when striker Matthew Rusike sustained a groin injury. The Zimbabwean international will not be available .
Baxter expects a great display of football from both sides in the derby.
Battle of the giants
Baxter’s Kaizer Chiefs leads the race at the top of the log table, five points clear of De Sa’s Orlando Pirates.
A win for either of the side could change the complexion of the race for the title, with Amakhosi having the opportunity to widen the gap while a victory for Bucs, who have one game in hand, victory will put pressure on the log leaders.
However, with about 10 matches remaining for each team, it is too early to say that the result of the match will determine the league winner for the season.
“I don’t think this is a (league) decider, but it does give one of the teams a very strong impetus going forward,” Baxter said.
“Yes, this is an important game but to look at it as the be-all and end-all, I’m afraid the winner could go on and lose three on the bounce because they can’t get their heads out of the clouds.
“It is a crucial game, but in many ways it will be a big challenge moving forward afterwards.”
De Sa said that with his side trailing Chiefs on the log, they will have to play catch-up and that a win was non-negotiable for the defending champions.
“We are the ones who are five points behind, so we are the ones who will have to take the game to them.
“We know what’s at stake, but we also have to bear in mind that there are still another 30 points to play for. There are still another 10 matches to be played. But, a win for us is a must,” De Sa.
Confidence is not at its highest in the Bucs camp as the side have dropped crucial points in their past two league games – a 3-2 defeat to Moroka Swallows and a 1-1 draw with Bloemfontein Celtic midweek. There was also a morale-sapping 4- 1 Nedbank Cup defeat to third- tier minnows Maluti FET College.
Captain Lucky Lekgwathi stressed the importance of mental strength for the derby from his teammates.
“We are going through a rough patch, but it is something that is going to pass. We just need to be mentally and physically strong,” said Lekgwathi.
“We are going out there to win the game and claim our bragging rights.”
Despite the run that has been worrying the Bucs’ faithful, the coach believes there have been some qualities that the side could take from their previous games.
He also added that in a derby, it is a whole different game where form counts for nought.
“There are positive things that we can take out from our last few games, like getting better and better as the game progresses.
“The confidence has been knocked, there’s no doubt about that. However, form gets thrown out the window when you play in these types of games,” said De Sa.
While Pirates are suffering from a growing injury list, they are hoping to get influential defender Siyabonga Sangweni back in action for the encounter. The hard-as- nails Bafana Bafana defender has been back at training with the side this past week and is likely to be fit for selection.
Amakhosi, on the other hand, suffered a blow in their midweek 2- 0 win over Chippa United when striker Matthew Rusike sustained a groin injury. The Zimbabwean international will not be available .
Baxter expects a great display of football from both sides in the derby.
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