The Amakhosi invited their Soweto rivals Orlando Pirates to their lair at the Kaizer Chiefs Village on Wednesday afternoon for a press briefing, just three days before the teams meet in the final Soweto derby of the season.

While Chiefs might have played the role of hospitable hosts as they hosted, for the first time, a press conference that included the Orlando Pirates contingent at the Chiefs Village, there will be no such friendly gestures when the teams meet on Saturday afternoon in Mmabatho.

With both Chiefs and Pirates on the verge of not making it amongst the top eight finishers, Saturday’s match has given both teams an added incentive to win the match. It was clear on Wednesday that the historical rivalry that exists between the teams will come to the fore again, as Muhsin Ertugral and Owen Da Gama both sat side by side on Wednesday both coaches looked deep in thought as they prepared for Saturday’s dual.

Less talk

Orlando Pirates skipper, Lehloholono Seema, believes that his team will leave all their talking to the field and commented, "To play football is my job and I do not do much talking. Our mood is good and we're looking forward to playing this game. Every one is ready and eager to show what they can do we ask our supporters to rally behind us and come out in large numbers. What will make this game more exciting is the fact that both lie outside the top eight and are competing for a place in the top eight”.

Continuity

While Seema was not doing much talking, Bartlett did talk up his team's chances somewhat.

“Our team has been in great form over the past few weeks, though they do say that form does not really count for much in this match. It will help our confidence knowing that we do come into the match on the back of some sound performances.”

The Amakhosi captain also spoke about the great tradition that such a match holds.

“We know about the history between the teams and this element always adds that something extra to this match. The last couple of games between the teams have been draws and that has not been what the fans want and we as Chiefs players will be looking for the win”.

Da Gama Praise

Pirates coach Owen Da Gama lauded the plaudits on Chiefs for extending and invitation to Pirates to be at the press briefing and said: “Thanks to Chiefs who have set a bench mark by inviting us to their press conference”.

On matters football he spoke highly of Chiefs and their current team when he commented: “From a technical perspective if one looks at Chiefs this season we think they a team that has done well this season they have a new team who are a new generation”.

Derby life

The final word was left to Chiefs coach Muhsin Ertugral, whose native Turkey and its largest city; Istanbul is privy to some of the most well known local football rivalries. He holds the opinion that the Chiefs – Pirates rivalry is good for South African football.

“Coming from a country where the derby matches are the most important thing in a season, it does not matter whether the teams are first or last when you play each other, everything else stops. South Africa should be happy to have a derby that ignites the passions like a Chiefs and Pirates game does. Having first been involved in this game in 1999, I always enjoy leading my team into this game and Saturday will be no different”.