‘On Saturday, we will make sure that we are 100% ready for a fight’

Kaizer Chiefs captain Brandon Petersen and his Orlando Pirates counterpart Nkosinathi Sibisi share the view that recent results count for nothing in the Soweto derby.

Pirates host Chiefs in their sold-out Betway Premiership clash at FNB Stadium on Saturday (3.30pm) with both teams confident after registering 3-0 Carling Knockout Cup wins over Milford FC and TS Galaxy respectively in midweek matches to progress to the quarterfinals.

Going into the derby, coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s Buccaneers are the consistent team with a good recent run of seven wins and one loss from their last eight matches in all competitions.

In contrast, Amakhosi have been inconsistent during this period with two wins and two defeats and four losses in all competitions, leaving coach Fernando Da Cruz and his players under pressure.

At their pre-match press conference at SuperSport’s studios in Randburg on Thursday, Petersen admitted Pirates are on an impressive run but said the derby is about which side is on top of its game on the day.

“The derby at times is not really about form, but it is about who is the hungrier team and who wants it the most on the day. On Saturday, we will make sure that we are 100% ready for a fight,” said Petersen, adding that Pirates have been playing fast, attacking football.

“They have been on a good run this season and they come from last season as [league] defending champions. That is football and people are going to give them the upper hand but for us it is important to ensure we are aware and respect that.

“They have been playing good football and getting good results but that serves as motivation for us. We know what we are up against and we know it is going to be a fight out there.”

Sibisi agreed that the derby is more about what happens on the day.

“With what I have experienced with the derby in the past years, past results count for nothing. You might be favourites because of recent results but on Saturday that can change.”

Public sentiment is that Pirates are favourites and Sibisi said Bucs will wear the tag even though they are fully aware it counts for nothing.

“We shouldn’t shy away from being called favourites, but we have to take that responsibility and pride of representing the club as best as possible by getting a positive result on Saturday.

“I have been fortunate to be part of this club for five years and every derby is special. We have won and lost some but for me the excitement remains the same.

“It is always exciting to be part of this match and we want to win to make our supporters happy.”