Given the fact that Pirates are currently on a high right now, it makes them favourites for our encounter in the Soweto derby while we will go into the match as underdogs. But I am quite comfortable with that position and the supporters should expect real fireworks from this match.

The history of this Soweto derby is very interesting. Current form has no bearing on the outcome on match day. History records indicate that in most cases, the team that went into the derby in good form went on to lose the derby. This derby will be no different.

Pirates are favourites, and we go into this match with our backs against the wall. But the magnitude of the game itself will propel Chiefs to a higher level. This could well be our turning point, and I am positive that we will emerge victorious.

Already Pirates are talking about revenge since we beat them to the league title last season. Well, we are not even thinking about that. Our focus is on the present and what we want to achieve this season.

Going into the match with that attitude that they want revenge could become their own undoing.

Winning on the day will go down a long way in boosting morale and getting our campaign back on track. That will also open up the title race and narrow the 10-point lead between Pirates and ourselves.

Although I believe it’s still too early to start talking about potential title winners, victory for us will make the championship even more exciting.

Personally I used to have fun playing against Pirates and there was always something that spurred me on, as a result, I scored some of my memorable goals against them.

I was always looking forward to this derby, and I wish all the players will have the same spirit and a positive attitude to beat Pirates.

Let me share with you one story that will highlight the significance of this derby.

One former Pirates coach - I will not mention his name - once said to me that when he was given a job about 12 years ago, he was told by the executive that to safeguard his job he must ensure that he never lost to Chiefs.

At the time we had about 20 or 18 teams in the league and he was told he could lose to any other team but not Chiefs.

That explains the importance of the derby. When we started Chiefs we were not given a chance and many people thought it was just going to be a temporary setup that would collapse as time went on.

From that day onwards we decided that we were going to be a force to be reckoned with, and would ensure that we do not lose a match against Pirates.

The same spirit has kept the derby alive. For 90 minutes we are in a war situation but after the game everything is back to normal, and that spirit should prevail among the supporters.

We have a number of players who will not be available for this match. Players like Arthur, Scara and Rowen are out through injuries or suspensions.

In a way it is a blow to play without these players as they have been regular members of the squad.

On the other hand, you must understand that we have a squad of 30 players and it is every player’s wish to be in the starting line-up.

Those that will be given an opportunity will obviously want to ensure that they stamp their authority and cement their places in the starting line-up going forward.

We really want to ensure that this match is an exciting spectacle, not only the derby but other activities about this event.

There will be a curtain-raiser featuring our Legends plus many other activities to ensure that by the time the main game kicks off, the stadium should be packed.

The fact that we have gone to lengths to ensure top class pre-match entertainment is to ensure that supporters can look forward to arriving early. We would like to encourage supporters to come as early as possible to avoid last-minute rush before kick-off.

Finally, I want to wish my team all the luck and make sure they bring the bacon home. I also wish all spectators a good game and hope they really enjoy themselves on the day.

Love and Peace!

Kaizer Motaung


Kaizer Chiefs MD and Chairman