Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has expressed that they are wary of a ‘fit and improved’ Kaizer Chiefs outfit ahead of this weekend’s Soweto Derby.
The two Soweto giants lock horns in the biggest spectacle on the local football calendar at the FNB Stadium on Sunday, 26 April.
- ALSO READ: Sibisi On Bouncing Back After League Setbacks
- Ouaddou On the Importance Of The Derby in The Title Race
In the first round clash, Pirates brush aside their arch-rivals with a 3-0 demolition in what was a one-sided affair.
A lot has however changed since. Chiefs have gone on a six-match unbeaten run while the Buccaneers have equally been on form which has seen them occupy the summit of the Betway Premiership.
Both sides have set their sights on achieving their respective targets. Pirates will be looking to extend their lead at the top of the standings ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns in what is a two-horse title race, while Amakhosi look to solidify their top three finish to qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup next season.
Going into Sunday’s clash, the Moroccan-French mentor admitted that past triumphs won’t count for much in this tie, pointing to how Chiefs have improved a lot since the two teams last met.
“I think my first Soweto Derby experience was very good for us because we got the result we expected,” the Pirates coach was quoted as saying at a joint-press conference on Thursday.
“Technical staff, the management, the players, we were really focused on the target and what we want to achieve.
“The game plan, how we wanted to attack, how we want to defend, the way that we have studied the opponent as well.
“I think everybody did their job, but now it’s another game. A different context, different conditions, and we must prepare for that. We have seen that Kaizer Chiefs have been doing well since.
“They [Chiefs] are really fit, and we will do our best again to make sure that our fans are happy and we keep going until the end [of the season],” he added.
The Mayfair outfit top the log standings with 58 points while Chiefs are third with 46 points.
The clash at the 2010 FIFA World Cup venue gets underway at 15:00.
Did you know that the iDiski Times Digital Newspaper is completely free! Download it now by clicking the button below or fill in the form to have it sent to you every week.
