Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi has honestly outlined the difference between his project at Naturena and his former clubs ahead of the highly anticipated Soweto derby against Orlando Pirates at FNB Stadium on Saturday (15:00).

The Glamour Boys will host the Buccaneers in the second fixture of the ongoing 2024/25 campaign. They will be determined to avoid conceding a league double to their fierce nemesis, as they suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat in the previous meeting.

Chiefs head into the encounter on the back of a loss against Marumo Gallants in their last league outing– a result that stretched their winless run in the Betway Premiership to six games, with their last victory dating back to 04 March against Magesi FC.

Having been brought in to change the club’s fortunes following a worst-ever 10th-placed finish last season, the Tunisian mentor admits awakening the sleeping giant is not an easy task, as he is accustomed to challenging for the league title in every club he’s ever been with.

“It’s true that it’s very tough to be in this situation because everywhere I have been, I’ve always played or challenged for the [league] title and it’s tough for everyone, for me, for the players but we know that these types of situations can happen,” Nabi said.

“But it also gives us the light and probably more clarity to how we are going to handle the future and believe me it’s not about me giving myself courage but before the derby on Saturday and the final next week Saturday, the team is in a completely different mood than the previous games because it’s a derby, it’s a final and it’s something that everyone wants to do [well in].”

Although his side is not in a convincing league form, Nabi remains confident Amakhosi can punch above their weight and claim maximum points at the expense of Jose Riveiro’s men, as he believes the result in the two teams’ last meeting didn’t reflect the performance his charges displayed.

“For the first derby, it was a good and entertaining game. I believe it was a very tough game which was decided on small details in the last minute, but we believe that we deserved better in that game through our performance,” added the 59-year-old tactician.

“I think the game on Saturday will be like any other Soweto derby, it’s going to be a very tough game.

“We are aware of what we can do more than in the first one, and we think the possibilities are open for both teams.”

Chiefs currently occupy position nine on the Betway Premiership standings with 30 points collected in 25 matches. Interestingly, the Naturena-based outfit has won four of its last five home league clashes against Pirates.