Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi has vowed they’ll be at their absolute best in the Soweto Derby tomorrow afternoon, and won’t hide behind rebuilding the team.
Chiefs will visit arch-rivals Orlando Pirates at the iconic FNB Stadium for the first Premiership Soweto Derby of the season (3.30pm kick-off).
Sure, form counts for nothing in the derby, but such has been Chiefs’ inconsistent run this season that they’ll be regarded as the underdogs against the well-oiled Pirates.
Nabi has admitted that they haven’t been at their best because they’ve been “rebuilding the team” more importantly instead of chasing for the results.
That has drawn a negative reaction from some of their supporters, as they had initially regarded Nabi as the messiah who’d rejuvenate the side while winning games.
Nabi is looking forward to his first SA derby, which comes just in time after he served a two-match suspension, saying they won’t leave any stone unturned at the sold-out 90 000-capacity Soccer City.
“It’s a very important game for everyone – the fans, players, technical team and management,” said Nabi, who was speaking at the pre-match press conference yesterday.
The #SowetoDerby legends have come out to play today! #Amakhosi #Buccaneers @iol @IOLsport @orlandopirates @KaizerChiefs pic.twitter.com/F4wwiQMvHg
— Zaahier Adams (@ZaahierAdams) January 30, 2025
“So, that’s why we are doing everything to make sure that we are in the perfect condition. As you said, the aura around the Soweto Derby is different.
“But we prepare for every game with seriousness. The game against Free Agents (in the Nedbank Cup), we analysed everything. Even on the field, we encourage the players to do everything to get results.
“We know that we are in the process of (rebuilding), but we don’t want to hide behind that and say we’ll not give our best, especially in a game such as the derby.
“That’s why we are confident that we are in a very good space to give a good performance on Saturday afternoon.”
Chiefs might be high on confidence, according to Nabi, but they can’t get carried away. Hence, they need to play the game and not the occasion.
It’s important for the team to put their best foot forward from the outset, taking the pressure off the youngsters who’ll be watched like a hawk on the day.
Chiefs’ youngsters have been the team’s toast this season as Mduduzi Shabalala, Wandile Duba, Mfundo Vilakazi and Samkelo Zwane have all come out of their shells.
Chiefs also need the three points as they won’t only give them bragging rights, but a huge morale-booster in their bid to climb up on the standings, where they are currently fifth on 21 points from 14 matches – with Pirates second on 27 from 11.
“It’s a very important game. The derby is important for the team, players, fans and the management too. But we can’t forget that it’s a league game,” Nabi said.
“It’s three points that we are playing for. They are for our fans, the process. So, that’s why we’ll do everything in our power to play well in the derby. We know how important it is.”
Here are the main men of the #SowetoDerby! @iol @IOLsport @Betway_za @orlandopirates @KaizerChiefs @OfficialPSL pic.twitter.com/zYY6ROmygx
— Zaahier Adams (@ZaahierAdams) January 30, 2025
Chiefs will need to dig deep for the three points. They are thin upfront as they face a series of injuries to Duba and Ashley du Preez.
Duba has been ruled out for at least six weeks after injuring his knee during the 4-0 win over Free Agents in the Nedbank Cup last 32 at FNB Stadium last Sunday.
Chiefs have brought in three players during the recently closed transfer window, having signed striker Tashreeq Morris, attacker Makabi Lilepo and midfielder Thabo Cele.
Morris is suspended for the derby, though, while it will be interesting to see whether Lilepo would have received his work permit come tomorrow afternoon.
Cele might be the only player who’ll be available for selection, and Nabi said the new players “might probably” get a few minutes in the game. They do, after all, believe they fit the bill.
“We firmly believe that we have smart recruitments. We brought in names that have a lot of ring bells around them,” Nabi said.
“These are players that we analysed. We know what they are capable of, how they can fit in our game model. We just hope that they’ll be able to adapt seamlessly.”