Kaze: Tackles Are Flying In Training

Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze has revealed the mood inside the club’s camp ahead of the Soweto Derby, saying every player has shown immense commitment in training in a bid to earn selection.

Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates coach Abdelsam Ouaddou described the derby as “spicy,” admitting it will be difficult to name his matchday squad due to the intensity and competition within the team.

Chiefs will host Pirates in the 184th Soweto Derby at a sold-out FNB Stadium on Saturday.

Kaze’s side head into the clash on the back of a defeat to Stellenbosch on Wednesday, while their rivals also suffered a setback after losing to Casric Stars in the Nedbank Cup last weekend.

Despite the recent losses, Kaze said the build-up to the derby has brought a different level of energy.

“We would love to see the players show the same level of commitment every week, but I have to admit it’s different now. They give you more,” Kaze said with a smile.

“Everyone wants to play and be part of this game. It’s a natural human reaction.

“It happens two or sometimes more times a year, but that’s why we have to reduce the intensity in training because tackles are flying and players are going all in.

“Sometimes you have to calm the excitement leading up to the derby. Fortunately, we have experienced players who approach it as business as usual.”

Ouaddou echoed similar sentiments about the atmosphere in the Pirates camp.

“You can see the difference at the beginning of the week. Everyone is eager and ready to play,” he said.

“It will be very difficult to finalise the squad because the players are highly motivated for the occasion. The intensity in training and the expectations have been very high.”

The last meeting between the two sides was in May’s Nedbank Cup final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, where Chiefs claimed a 2-1 victory.

However, in the league last season, Pirates completed a double over their Soweto rivals.