Kaizer Chiefs go into Sunday’s Soweto derby clash knowing they were well beaten 3-0 in the first meeting, but the mood around the team has shifted in recent weeks.
Orlando Pirates may be leading the league, but Amakhosi have quietly built momentum, putting together a strong run that has brought belief back into the squad.
With six games left in the season, the derby arrives at a moment where both teams still have something to fight for.
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FORMER KAIZER CHIEFS MIDFIELDER ON SOWETO DERBY EMOTIONS
George Maluleka, having played in it himself, understands that the derby brings out something different in both players and supporters.
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“I think it’s safe to say that a lot of people’s lives depend on it,” Maluleka told Soccer Laduma. “You know, you can even go to a point of betting your last money on the Soweto derby.
“That’s how huge it is, you know, from people getting emotional, crying, players, and the fans. So you can imagine the magnitude of this game, you know, it’s watched worldwide. The biggest in Africa, it’s a very big derby.”
KAIZER CHIEFS FORM GIVES THEM HOPE
Despite the 3-0 loss in the previous Soweto derby, Maluleka believes this time will not be the same. Chiefs have responded well since that defeat, finding consistency and confidence in recent matches.
“Yeah, look, Kaizer Chiefs losing 3-0 in the Soweto derby, a tough one to swallow. It’s a very tough pill to swallow. Disappointing performance on the day.
“You need to be honest. For Chiefs’ standards and the result was evident of that you really check the halftime score line and the stats, you know.
“But I always say and they bounced back, you know, they’ve gone six games without a loss, you know, winning five on the trot and getting a draw against a tough Polokwane City.
“That’s how much the league has improved, because all the teams now play for something, whether it’s Top Eight, Top Four, Champions League or Confederation Cup. So there’s a lot to play for. But I think Chiefs will come back stronger, you know, their strikers have gotten more confident and it’s going to be a different ball game altogether,” Maluleka added.
WILL KAIZER CHIEFS RISE ON THE DAY?
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