Soweto Derby Pre-Match Press Conference - Da Cruz Confident as Ouaddou Accepts Favourites Tag

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 1 hour ago

Ralph Staniforth 1 hour ago

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Orlando Pirates are tipped to win the Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs.
Pirates have won seven of their last eight PSL matches, conceding only one goal.
Chiefs have lost five of their last six league games against Pirates.

Pirates vs Chiefs promises to be a fierce battle on Saturday, including in the dugout (Getty Images).

Ahead of the highly anticipated Soweto Derby, Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz has expressed confidence in his team, while Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has accepted his team's favourites tag.
Da Cruz: ‘We Are Ready for the Game’
Ouaddou Accepts Pirates’ Favourites
Pirates Coach Warns That Favourites Status Guarantees Nothing

The contrasting pre-match messages have added to the excitement surrounding one of South African football’s biggest fixtures. Chiefs have lost five of their last six league matches vs the Sea Robbers.

Da Cruz: ‘We Are Ready for the Game’

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz is preparing for his first Soweto Derby since taking charge of the club, with Amakhosi heading into the encounter on the back of a 3-0 victory over TS Galaxy in the Carling Knockout.

The Frenchman believes the result has boosted his team’s confidence, although he recognises the challenge posed by their fierce rivals. “We worked well this week with the team and we are confident. But we know it’s a difficult game against a good team, a big team,” Da Cruz said.

Pressure has eased on the French mentor after two wins in a week, albeit the first victory was not enough to prevent a premature exit from the CAF Confederations Cup.

Ouaddou Accepts Pirates’ Favourites

Orlando Pirates coach Ouaddou has acknowledged that his side will enter the derby as favourites, given their impressive form and recent success against Chiefs. The Buccaneers have won seven of their last eight matches, putting them in a strong position ahead of Saturday’s showdown.

“We have to accept this position of favourites because we were champions and we have to accept it,” Ouaddou said, while stressing that his team must remain focused on the task ahead.

Bucs have seven wins and a draw from eight PSL matches this season, with just one goal conceded.

Pirates Coach Warns That Favourites Status Guarantees Nothing

Despite embracing the pressure, Ouaddou is aware that the derby presents a different challenge, particularly with Chiefs under new leadership and carrying renewed confidence. He believes Pirates must deliver on the pitch rather than rely on their status or past achievements. “To be favourites doesn’t mean that you’re going to win,” he said.

The coach added that his players must bring “a lot of energy” and aim to deliver good football for South Africa. With both coaches confident in their respective preparations, Saturday’s clash promises another compelling chapter in the Soweto Derby rivalry.

Ralph Staniforth is a South African sports journalist, editor and betting writer who has worked in sports media since 2012.

With a background in Sports Science, he has covered a wide range of sports and interviewed leading players and coaches across South African rugby, cricket and football.

His sports betting work covers both South African and international markets, combining his knowledge of sport with extensive experience analysing fixtures, teams, form and betting markets.

Ralph specialises in football and rugby, while also covering cricket, tennis and golf. His work includes match previews, betting tips, betting guides and broader analysis of the sports betting industry.

You can find more from Ralph at Muckrack and LinkedIn.