‘Bring it on,’ say Chiefs after drawing Pirates in Cup semis

It is clear that Kaizer Chiefs are not done with Orlando Pirates judging by their players’ reaction after the Nedbank Cup semifinals draw on Sunday. 

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The Chiefs players jumped up shouting, ‘yes’ as it was revealed that their next opponent in the Ke Yona will be their Soweto neighbours and rivals. 

In one of the videos that are trending on social media on Monday, Chiefs striker Ashley Du Preez can be heard shouting, “Come Pirates, come!”.

Chiefs have been dominating over Pirates since last season, beating them five times in a row. 

And coach Arthur Zwane also believes there is a lot at stake for them going to the Pirates fixture. The dates are yet to be confirmed.

“There’s a lot at stake,” said Zwane as quoted by SABC Sport after the draw at Chatsworth Stadium on Sunday night. 

“Once you meet Pirates you are expected to be on top of them. I think the excitement comes from knowing that we are playing Pirates who are also doing well. 

“That will be good for South African football as well because Pirates are doing well and we are also finding our way up,” added the Chiefs mentor.

Chiefs want match at FNB Stadium

The game between Chiefs and Pirates always garners excitement with the supporters and while the date is not known yet, the expectations are already high.

Zwane believes the game can only be played at FNB Stadium which has become the unofficial home of the Soweto derby. 

Even when it is Pirates’ home game, it is played at the world famous and iconic venue that held the final of the 2010 Fifa World Cup.

“People will be coming from different provinces, so I don’t think other stadiums have the capacity to carry the numbers.”

“We don’t want to go back to the days when we had stampedes. I’m not saying we should go to FNB but as things stand, FNB will be suitable for such a big game.”

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The derby has, however, also been held at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban without any problems. 

Other venues that could also be in the running to host the biggest game left this season are Peter Mokaba in Polokwane and Mangaung Stadium in Bloemfontein.