Publications
Partners
Johannesburg - Kaizer Chiefs coach Vladimir Vermezovic is upbeat that his soccer team will put on a spirited display against arch-rivals Orlando Pirates when they clash in the Premier League at FNB Stadium on Saturday.
It will be the second Soweto Derby in as many weeks after Pirates beat Amakhosi to retain the MTN8 title on Saturday.
"We will fight in the hope that we finally can make something bigger than last time," said Vermezovic.
Home team Chiefs face an uphill battle after losing 2-1 to Ajax Cape Town in a midweek league fixture.
"I feel that the pressure is on my back and we owe it to our supporters to make it a better game.
"I've said previously that we couldn't be judged on the Vodacom and Carling Cup matches played before the season started."
While there are no injuries in the side, Chiefs will be missing midfield strongman Tinashe Nengomasha, who was suspended after picking up a third yellow card against the Urban Warriors.
Vermezovic is likely to pick youngster Lucky Baloyi to feature alongside Reneilwe Letsholonyane in the middle of the park.
Pirates will be brimming with confidence, having collected all three points in their 1-0 midweek win over Santos.
Coach Julio Leal said there was always room for improvement, and defending the league title was their main ambition this season.
"It is always good to do well against Chiefs, who are our main rivals," Leal said.
"There is still a lot to come from Pirates this season and our ultimate ambition is to win the league trophy again."
Having rested midfielders Andile Jali, Tlou Segolela and forward Thulasizwe Mbuyane, and with veteran goal-poacher Benni McCarthy returning from suspension, the ship of the Happy People will be operating at full strength at the 96 000 capacity Nasrec venue.
Captain Lucky Lekgwathi said they would not be judging Chiefs on their two successive losses.
Pirates are still looking for their first league win in two seasons against the Glamour Boys.
"They lost two games in a row and they will want to come out and redeem themselves against us," said Lekgwathi.
"We will not underestimate them."
