Soweto derby: Kaizer Chiefs are ‘playing well’

Mduduzi Shabalala believes Kaizer Chiefs are playing ‘well’ ahead of their much-anticipated Soweto derby against bitter rivals Orlando Pirates this weekend.

Despite sitting in fifth position on the DSTV Premiership log, Kaizer Chiefs are out of the race for the title already, having won just eight of their 20 league fixtures to date, combined with eight defeats and four draws.

The Amakhosi’s wretched run of form was compounded this past weekend when they slumped to a 3-2 loss against Golden Arrows.

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Shabalala, who featured in that game and scored to take his goal tally for Chiefs up to two in eight Premiership appearances this season, says Amakhosi have to get better consistency in terms of performance and results starting with their derby showdown with Orlando Pirates.

“For me, it’s a great opportunity, young as I am, to maintain the same focus and consistency and take it into the game,” Shabalala said.

Commenting on the looming Soweto derby itself, which is the blue ribbon fixture of South African soccer, the 19-year-old forward said he believes that Chiefs must not let the enormity of the occasion nor the weight of expectation get to them.

“We must play the game, not the occasion. The most important thing is to enjoy and focus on ourselves,” Shabalala explained.

“We have been playing well. It’s just that we haven’t been getting the results that we want.”

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SOWETO DERBY DETAILS: KAIZER CHIEFS VS ORLANDO PIRATES

Hosts: Kaizer Chiefs
Venue: FNB Stadium
Date: Saturday, 25 February
Kick off time: 15:30

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