Chiefs’ dominance in last five derbies doesn’t matter, says Zwane

In the past five games between the Soweto giants, Kaizer Chiefs have had the better of Orlando Pirates.

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But that does not count now going into the Nedbank Cup semifinals clash at FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

“You know football, you cannot rely more on what you have done in the past,” said Chiefs coach Arthur Zwane this week.

“Yes, we have won those games. It talks to the preparations – we got them right. 

“The Pirates coach (Jose Riveiro) said that this time around, this will be a different Orlando Pirates team. But only time will tell,” added Zwane.

Chiefs have beaten Pirates in both legs of the league games this season but the games were tightly contested. 

In the first leg, an incredible long range strike by Yusuf Maart caught Siyabonga Mpontshana off his line. 

It was enough to seal the game despite Pirates having more of the possession and looking better organised. 

In the second leg, in February this year, a misdirected headed back pass from Olisa Ndah caught Sipho Chaine off his line and sailed into the net. 

“Games like these are always difficult for everyone and unpredictable,” said the Chiefs mentor. 

“Pirates are doing well, and we will be coming into this game as underdogs. 

Chiefs have one thing in mind

“But Chiefs will go to FNB Stadium with one thing on our mind, to go there and give our best and be victorious.

“We have been blowing hot and cold this season, and the players know what is expected of them. 

“This is one game that doesn’t need me as a coach to motivate them. We want to finish the season on a high since we had a difficult season.”

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Zwane also commented on how his team keeps committing costly mistakes at the back, saying it is part of the game.

“That’s why I can’t blame the players (or anyone) because I was once a player and I also made mistakes. 

“I have also made mistakes as a coach this season because it’s part of the game and learning,” said Zwane.

“We have moved on from the past mistakes. At some point, we even thought we had rectified them. But we are still making those mistakes.

“So, the best thing that we can do is to focus on the next game and forget about the past because it won’t help us right now.”