PRETORIA — It’s the first derby for both coaches, but they are dealing with it like old hands.
By the Sowetan
Roger de Sa of Orlando Pirates and Stuart Baxter of Kaizer Chiefs both realise that the matches leading up to the big one will have little influence at FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon. De Sa could only manage a goalless draw in Pirates’ midweek game away to Chippa United at Athlone Stadium, while Chiefs registered an emphatic 3-0 victory against Ajax Cape Town in Polokwane.
Baxter reckons he would be naïve to think Chiefs are favourites for tomorrow’s match given the two teams’ current league form.
“I am not sure Tuesday was that much important going into this game. You think you did well, but it is a different story when it’s kickoff time,” said Baxter.
De Sa said form does not count, a more diplomatic answer given that it is the Buccaneers who are going into the match having dropped two valuable points.
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“It is more than the three points on offer on the day. I hope it is an open match because I feel like for the first time in a while, both teams are equally matched going into the derby. That hardly happens,” said De Sa.
Baxter got a taste of derby fever in the pre-season Carling Black Label Cup encounter between the two sides. However, supporters were responsible for picking the starting line-ups.
He is salivating at the potential cracker the match is likely to turn into. But the pitch, subjected to a concert a week ago, remains a concern.