Soweto giants aim to stand tall again

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Steve Komphela says the club’s inconsistent results and the backlash from the fans doesn’t mean the team should be cautious in their approach to games, including the Soweto Derby tomorrow.

Komphela’s boys come up against their arch-rivals Orlando Pirates at FNB Stadium and the 48-year-old says they are going to protect the club, or the institution as he prefers to call it, without any fear.

“We have to play the game and protect the institution without fear. The biggest danger in life, when we don’t succeed, is fear.

“The very same success you want to see, you won’t see when you are facing fear so we are fearless. We are fearless and we can’t change the outcome.

“If you think of the ultimate results, the processing of goals are going to be a stumbling block. Don’t look at the ultimate, move towards and you shall achieve it,” Komphela said ahead of the big clash.

Chiefs skipper Siphiwe Tshabalala, the most capped player in the Soweto Derby with 25 appearances since joining the club in 2007, was also on hand to share the team’s mental state ahead of the match.

“I share the same sentiments with the coach. I don’t think there is a player who would go play a big game with a negative attitude or mentality.

“Number one, it is a great platform for us players to participate in a game of this magnitude.

“It is not everyone who gets the opportunity to play, so to us we know the importance of the game.

“We know the history behind the two teams and we are grateful that we are part of the legacy.

“For us it is important to play well and most importantly, to enjoy being fearless,” said Tshabalala.

Chiefs are currently fourth on the Absa Premiership table with 25 points from 15

Winning the small games is just as important, but a derby can provide a missing spark to a struggling team’s season, Pirates coach Eric Tinkler said.

He is hoping “a positive meeting” between the players on Monday following the Cosmos defeat, combined with the aura of the derby, can result in Pirates hitting a much-needed refresh button to end a cycle of poor results. “You win leagues by beating the smaller teams, not the top teams. Our objective was always to secure maximum points against teams like Cosmos and Maritzburg.

“We didn’t do that leading into the derby so now the three points become even more important.

“But the advantage is that the derby it’s a fantastic occasion, every player wants to be involved and to shine. I don’t need to motivate the players. Their mentality will be completely different for this game.”