Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma insists that the team’s focus remains on their immediate games, and the upcoming two Soweto Derby clashes are not a distraction, despite the high stakes involved.

Chiefs are set to face their arch-rivals, Orlando Pirates, in consecutive matches. The first encounter will be a league fixture at FNB Stadium on 3 May, followed by the Nedbank Cup final at Moses Mabhida Stadium on 10 May.

Before these highly anticipated derbies, however, Chiefs will host Marumo Gallants at FNB Stadium this Saturday at 15:00.

Despite their progress to the Nedbank Cup final, Chiefs have been struggling for form in the league. They are currently on a five-match winless streak, having lost two and drawn three. Their last league victory was against Magesi FC at the beginning of March.

“I don’t think it has played any part in our minds,” Bvuma said, reflecting on their recent draw against Chippa United.

“Because we know the importance of the game that we are going to play over the weekend. We know that we need points, and we know that we are not in the position that we would like to finish in at the end of the season.

“Also, we understand the importance of winning these so-called smaller games, not just the bigger ones, because those points can take us higher up the log standings.

“So, I wouldn’t say the players are solely focused on the Derby because right now, every game is like a cup final for us. If we win against Marumo, we gain momentum going into the next game. We know we need to secure the maximum points available to improve our league standing.”

In fact, consistency has been a significant issue for Chiefs this season. In their 25 league matches played, they have only managed eight wins. Their goal-scoring record is also concerning, having conceded 29 goals while only scoring 24, resulting in a negative goal difference. This makes their quest to finish in the top eight under coach Nasreddine Nabi even more challenging.

Despite these struggles, Bvuma, who has become the preferred goalkeeper under Nabi, ahead of Fiacre Ntwari and Brandon Peterson, believes there are positive aspects to the current season.

“Definitely,” Bvuma affirmed without hesitation.

“If you look back, it has been four years since we last reached a final [the CAF Champions League final against Al Ahly in 2021], and domestically, it was back in 2019 [the Nedbank Cup final loss to TS Galaxy in Durban].

“We are in the final now. While we are not in the desired position in the league, there are still many positives we can take from this season. We are in the Nedbank Cup final, and we have the opportunity to change things. As we said at the start of the season, we want to end the trophy drought, which has lasted nine years.

“So, we have a significant chance to turn things around. Even though our league position isn’t ideal, there are still many positive takeaways from this season.”