Da Cruz: We’re Confident Ahead of the Soweto Derby

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz says his side is ready and full of confidence for the big Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates this weekend.

Speaking on SuperSport TV, the Frenchman described the match as one of the most important games in South Africa. “I think it’s one of the best games in Africa. It divides the country and I think it’s a good moment for South African football,” he said.

Da Cruz added that he is feeling good after a solid week of training with the squad. The team comes into the fixture on the back of a 3-0 win over TS Galaxy in the Carling Knockout, a result that has lifted spirits at Naturena.

“We are confident, but we know it’s a difficult game against a big team,” Da Cruz said. “We come to the game with a lot of confidence – when you score three goals and don’t concede you’ve got a lot of confidence.”

At the same time, the coach stressed that the work is never finished. “But we always want to improve the team, even when we win. So we must keep this confidence when we go to the derby.”

This will be Da Cruz’s first Soweto Derby since he took charge of Amakhosi at the start of the season. The club has backed him after a mixed start that included early exits from the MTN8 and CAF Confederation Cup. The midweek win has given the players a timely boost before facing their biggest rivals.

Orlando Pirates have also been in good form under Abdeslam Ouaddou and will fancy their chances at FNB Stadium. The match is sold out, with thousands of fans expected to fill the stands for one of the biggest fixtures on the local calendar.

For Chiefs, a strong showing would not only secure three points in the Betway Premiership but also give supporters something to cheer about in a rivalry that always captures the nation’s attention. Da Cruz believes his players are prepared for the challenge and ready to compete.

The Soweto Derby takes place on Saturday afternoon at FNB Stadium. Both teams know the stakes are high, and the result will be talked about long after the final whistle.

Source: https://x.com/iDiskiTimes/status/2115785227150799049