Orlando Pirates defender Tapelo Xoki with coach Jose Riveiro during the Soweto derby press conference at Multichoice City in Randburg on Thursday. (Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix)
Orlando Pirates defender Tapelo Xoki reckons the win over Sekhukhune United came at the right time ahead of the Soweto derby against Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on Saturday.
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Pirates secured a 1-0 victory against Babina Noko in a league clash played at Orlando Stadium last Tuesday, with the team having failed to register a victory in their last four games before the Sekhukhune clash.
Xoki says the victory will be helpful for the Buccaneers, knowing the expectations of playing against Amakhosi in the Soweto derby.
“I think it was a good victory for us and we fought very hard to make sure that we get a win. It has now placed us in the right space of mind going into the Chiefs game,” said the defender.
“It’s an important game for us, but also for everyone who is associated with Pirates, especially the fans. They want to see us doing good and we are going to make sure that we do our best to get a win on the weekend.”
Xoki added that the spirit at the club is high ahead of the derby.
“We have been playing well, our performances have been very good. That’s why I say results were not falling our way. We needed that win to lift ourselves up because we definitely are able to get results because of the way we play,” he added.
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“Everything has been going well in camp preparing for this game (derby). We want to continue with where we left off during our last game. But we are ready for the match and we are looking forward to making our fans happy.”
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