Kaizer Chiefs vice-captain Inacio Miguel believes that arch-rivals Orlando Pirates’ win in the last meeting might make them over-confident ahead of Saturday’s Nedbank Cup final and has vowed they will capitalise on any complacency that creeps in.
The two Soweto giants meet for the third time this campaign, and for the second time in a space of a week, and it goes without saying that the Buccaneers hold the trump cards having won both meetings and are currently the defending champions of the cup of dreams.
The former Petro de Luanda centre-back has racked up three goals in the competition, one behind top scorers, teammate Pule Mmodi and Tshegofatso Mabasa of Orlando Pirates.
“One could say it is the biggest game because it is for a trophy,” the Angolan international told the club’s official website.
“But I play every match like it’s a final. I give my maximum every game. For me, it’s just another game. I try to keep my emotions in check and pass the message to my teammates to remain calm. It brings a lot of responsibility, but I am happy to take that weight and leave my teammates free to play their best game.
“I have been fortunate to play in cup finals before so I have experienced that pressure and will try to be a calming influence to allow my teammates to play freely without fear.
Miguel also touched on how they look to eliminate mistakes which saw them lose the last clash despite taking an earlier lead and also welcomed the underdog tag.
“We lost the game but there are things we can learn from it. We saw where we came up short and won’t make the same mistakes again. It hurts, of course, but at least have an opportunity to rectify the situation,” he added.
“Last weekend’s result might make Pirates a little bit over-confident, and we are well prepared, mentally and physically, to take advantage of any complacency in their team.
“We go into the game knowing there is no second chance in a final and we want to show everyone, including ourselves, that we can do it.
“All the players are all too aware that the supporters have been desperate to win a trophy for a long time, but we live in the present and can’t dwell on what the Club hasn’t done in the past 10 year.
“We have a final to play with a trophy on the line. We have a mission to fulfil, and we are totally focused on what is in our hands, what we can do. Right now, that is to bring the cup home, and we are working hard to make it happen.”
The sold-out affair at the majestic Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban commences at 15:30.
