Kaizer Chiefs attacking midfielder Mthokozisi Yende has his sights firmly on winning his third Cup title with the Amakhosi when they face their township foes Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 Final on Saturday evening at the FNB Stadium inside the Soccer City Complex in Johannesburg.

According to the attack-minded midfielder, the Amakhosi are determined to put one over their local rivals and have been hard at work ensuring that they are able to do just that on Saturday. “Our preparation for the game, the attention to detail in our work, as well as our concentration in training, have been of a high level and intensity. We can’t wait for the final and we are really looking forward to the game.”

Yende, heading into his fourth career cup final and his third as a Chiefs player, also feels that this coming weekend’s derby encounter will be further spiced up by the fact that Pirates are the defending MTN8 Champions.

A revved up Yende said, “It does not have to be said that whenever Chiefs meet Pirates it’s a special occasion. This coming week we have two important games against them.

"We are well aware that Pirates will be looking to hold onto their MTN8 crown.

"We were defending champions when we faced them in the Telkom Knockout final last season. As the defending champion you always want to do whatever is in your power to hold onto your crown.

"Our desire to win the trophy against their hopes of defending the title will add a further twist to the drama on Saturday.”

Yende is also looking positively ahead to the game based on his own current form and that of his teammates.

“I am really loving the way the entire team is playing at the moment. I have fitted in well to the style and plan of the coach. Equally, I have been enjoying playing with guys like Tinashe Nengomasha, Josta Dladla and others who have been displaying great form.

"When you are able to play in a team with guys who are doing so well it gives your morale a lift as well. As a team we have the necessary tools to perform well this season.

" We have been together for some time and we have a squad with good depth and players always willing to work for each other.”

Such is Yende’s desire to do well this season, that should Chiefs enjoy success in the Cup final he will contain his celebrations. As he explained, there still is a lot of football to be played in the month of September for Chiefs.

“I will be extremely pleased if we win on Saturday but we will hold off having a major celebration because we will not have much time to revel in the win. Three days after the final we play Ajax and then Pirates again. Hopefully, if we win, we will have time at the end of the year to celebrate.”