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Johannesburg - Ahead of their much anticipated Soweto derby against Orlando Pirates this weekend, Kaizer Chiefs left-back Tsepo Masilela has dismissed suggestions that the Phefeni Glamour Boys are the favourites to walk away victorious when the two sides battle in the PSL.
The two perennial rivals will renew their rivalry in a quest for three points at the FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Heading to this encounter, Chiefs are coming from their impressive 3-0 win over Wits on Wednesday while the Buccaneers suffered another disappointing 2-1 loss to Maritzburg United.
Despite Chiefs superior form over their arch rivals, Masilela said his team-mates will not underestimate Pirates due to their current form as derby matches are always tough.
The former Getafe defender also admitted that Pirates will not be a walk-over despite heading to this tough game without a head coach following the departure of Vladimir Vermezovic yesterday.
"We are playing very well at the moment and Pirates are going through a hard time recently," Masilela told Sport24 in an exclusive interview on Thursday.
"I’m aware that they have just lost their head coach recently, but that won’t count much going to our match against them.
"We have good chances to win the game on paper yes but derby games are always tough. Even though one of the two teams is not doing well but when it comes to a derby, it’s always a cup final.
"Pirates are also a good team and they have quality players and we don’t have any right to underestimate them.
"It’s always hard playing against them and we won’t count our chickens before they hatch.
"We will give them all the respect they deserve."
Chiefs are currently 11 points ahead of second placed Ajax Cape Town, but the former Bafana Bafana man said they are not feeling comfortable at the summit of the log.
"There are still lot of games to be played this season.
"It’s only two games left before we go for a Christmas break and we are not comfortable at all.
"Anything can still happen its football; we just have to keep winning our games but it won’t be easy.
"We are not getting our hopes up at the moment; we are just focusing on one game at a time."
Kick-off for the clash is scheduled for 15:30.
The two perennial rivals will renew their rivalry in a quest for three points at the FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Heading to this encounter, Chiefs are coming from their impressive 3-0 win over Wits on Wednesday while the Buccaneers suffered another disappointing 2-1 loss to Maritzburg United.
Despite Chiefs superior form over their arch rivals, Masilela said his team-mates will not underestimate Pirates due to their current form as derby matches are always tough.
The former Getafe defender also admitted that Pirates will not be a walk-over despite heading to this tough game without a head coach following the departure of Vladimir Vermezovic yesterday.
"We are playing very well at the moment and Pirates are going through a hard time recently," Masilela told Sport24 in an exclusive interview on Thursday.
"I’m aware that they have just lost their head coach recently, but that won’t count much going to our match against them.
"We have good chances to win the game on paper yes but derby games are always tough. Even though one of the two teams is not doing well but when it comes to a derby, it’s always a cup final.
"Pirates are also a good team and they have quality players and we don’t have any right to underestimate them.
"It’s always hard playing against them and we won’t count our chickens before they hatch.
"We will give them all the respect they deserve."
Chiefs are currently 11 points ahead of second placed Ajax Cape Town, but the former Bafana Bafana man said they are not feeling comfortable at the summit of the log.
"There are still lot of games to be played this season.
"It’s only two games left before we go for a Christmas break and we are not comfortable at all.
"Anything can still happen its football; we just have to keep winning our games but it won’t be easy.
"We are not getting our hopes up at the moment; we are just focusing on one game at a time."
Kick-off for the clash is scheduled for 15:30.
