Former Orlando Pirates captain Happy Jele has called on his former side to be 200% mentally ready when they face arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto Derby on Saturday, as the game could be decisive in their title chase.
Pirates go into this encounter after two back-to-back defeats against Pyramids in the CAF Champions League semi-final and against Sekhukhune United in the Betway Premiership in mid-week. The result in the league saw the gap with Mamelodi Sundowns at the top increase to 12 points.
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Jele spoke to IDiski Times writer Lethabo Kganyago in edition 202 of the newspaper where he said the derby on Saturday that will be followed by the one in the Nedbank cup final needs high levels of concentration.
“That game is very important, actually the upcoming games for Orlando Pirates are very important,” Jele told iDiski Times.
“The game on the third is important because it can decide if they want the league or they don’t want the league and in seven days they are playing a cup they need to defend. And it’s very difficult to play a team back-to-back.
“So the next games are crucial for Orlando Pirates, playing back-to-back with Kaizer Chiefs. The mind-set needs to be on another level, maybe at 200% or 400% because they will need to concentrate a lot.”
You can read Jele’s full interview with Kganyago in edition 202 when you subscribe to IDiski Times Media WhatsApp number for FREE.
