Innocent Maela has backed his former side, Orlando Pirates, to hold the upper hand over Kaizer Chiefs ahead of their blockbuster Soweto Derby clash.
The Buccaneers and Amakhosi are set to meet for the first time this season in the Betway Premiership on Saturday, 28 February at FNB Stadium.
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Pirates, already winners of two trophies this campaign, are firmly in the title race. Ezimnyama Ngenkani sit second on the log with 38 points from 17 outings.
Chiefs, meanwhile, are fourth with 30 points from 16 matches, showing defensive improvement despite inconsistent performances.
Maela feels Pirates have been the standout team in the country this season and should have the advantage, though he acknowledged that the magnitude of the derby could bring nerves for some players.
“It’s a big game, a game that everyone is looking forward to in our country,” said Maela on SuperSport.
“But when you belong to a club like ours [Orlando Pirates], you know that you play these games, it happens regularly.
“I’m confident that the gents, wherever they are, they are calm and composed. They know what they have to do, but we know that this season, Chiefs are our people, especially this season.
“Everyone knows that Orlando Pirates are currently the best team in the country. We know what to do. Yes, there will be nerves, some of the guys will be anxious.
“But we will go to the game having an edge over these guys.”
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