Zwane explains Chiefs players’ Nedbank Cup semifinal draw celebration after losing to Pirates

After learning that they will be meeting Orlando Pirates inthe semi-finals of the Nedbank Cup, Kaizer Chiefs players seemed to be celebrating the draw, but head coach Arthur Zwane has explained that it was not really a celebration. 

The Chiefs players were seen live on TV happy to be drawn against Pirates after they defeated Royal AM in the quarterfinals of the Nedbank Cup. But, Pirates had the last laugh as they edged Amakhosi 2-1after extra-time in the semifinals played at FNB Stadium on Saturday.

Kermit Erasmus opened the scoring for Bucs, while Yusuf Maart equalised for Chiefs to take the game to extra-time. Then Pirates defender Sandile Mthethwa scored the winning goal for Bucs, ending Chiefs dream of lifting the Ke Yona Cup.

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After the match, obviously disappointed with the outcome, Zwane clarified the draw celebrations, and said his players could have been happy to face any other team in the semi-finals.

“The celebration was not about taking Pirates for granted. Even if it was another team, we were still going to celebrate, but for us, it was not a celebration, to be honest, it was an ‘okay bring it on’,” the Chiefs coach explained during a post-match press-conference.

“Obviously it’s one of the big games in the South African football calendar and if you play against your direct rivals you always want to get the best out of the players. And the players as well see this as an opportunity to showcase their talents.”

Zwane further explained that playing in the Soweto derby is big and it might be another reason his players were happy with facing Pirates.

But, despite losing the match, he is proud of the performance from his troops.

“For two hours, if not more, South Africa came more or less to a standstill watching this game (Soweto derby), who doesn’t want to be part and parcel of that? It’s history in the making. So, yes, unfortunately we ended up on the losing side,” he added.

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“But I’m still proud of the guys and the effort they gave today and the commitment you know. It wasn’t to be, we learn from this, move on, and try to rectify our mistakes going forward and give our best all the time.”