‘We say the biggest clubs can get ill but they never die,’ said the Chiefs head coach.
Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi has promised his Amakhosi team will be ready and raring to go as they take on Orlando Pirates in the Betway Premiership at FNB Stadium tomorrow.
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Chiefs have endured a horrendous slump in the league, failing to win any off their last six matches and Nabi had words with his players after last weekend’s loss to Marumo Gallants.
Chiefs can still save season
Nabi and his side, however, can provide serious balm to their supporters if they can beat Pirates tomorrow and in the Nedbank Cup final on May 10 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
“Believe me, this is not to give myself courage,” said Nabi yesterday.
“But before the derby on Saturday and the Nedbank Cup final the team and players are in a different move than in previous games. This is a (league) derby and then a final and it is something that everyone wants (to win).”
Despite Chiefs’ league position – they are currently ninth in the table and in danger of missing out on the MTN8 for the second season in a row – Nabi is adamant that it is still Amakhosi and Pirates who are the two biggest sides in the country.
This is certainly true in the popularity stakes, with about 90 000 fans set to pack out FNB Stadium tomorrow.
“We say the biggest clubs can get ill but they never die,” added Nabi.
“And we believe we are the biggest club in South Africa. At this time we might be a bit ill but we still believe we are alive and can do something.”
Pirates edged out Chiefs 1-0 in the first round Soweto derby at FNB Stadium on February 1, with Patrick Maswanganyi scoring a stoppage time ‘Panenka’ penalty.
“The first derby was a very good, entertaining game … decided by a small detail in the last minute,” said Nabi.
‘The possibilities are open’
“But we believe we deserved better in that game from our performance.
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“Saturday’s game, as with any other derby, will be a very tough game. (But) we are better than for the first one, in what we can do. I think the possibilities are open for both teams.
“If Kaizer Chiefs wins the derby on Saturday it is not going to be a surprise. If Orlando Pirates win it is not a surprise as well. Those are the two biggest clubs in South Africa.”
