Kaizer Chiefs legend Simphiwe Tshabalala believes his former team is capable of pulling an upset over Orlando Pirates when they clash in their much anticipated derby encounter at the FNB Stadium on Saturday (15:30 kick-off).
The two sides have been on different paths in the 2024/25 Betway Premiership season, with Pirates challenging for the league honors and keeping Mamelodi Sundowns honest, while Chiefs on the other hand, are still trying to return to their glory days.
Tshabalala, who still holds the record for the most appearances in the Pirates and Chiefs Soweto derby with 33 appearances, was one of the most gifted midfielders of his generation for both club and country.
The 40-year-old believes Chiefs will go into the match as the less fancied team, especially with everything that the Sea Robbers have achieved so far this season.
But he also warned that Amakhosi’s inconsistent form will not define their fate on Saturday, but it will instead offer his former club an opportunity for some of the players to step up to the occasion and improve on some of their shortcomings.
“With regards to both sides going into this fixture, I believe that Chiefs are going into this match as underdogs.” Tshabalala commented ahead of the match.
“Pirates are currently one of the best performing teams in the continent so far, and that should serve as a motivation for Chiefs to do well.
“A game of this magnitude gives an opportunity for players to raise their hands and be counted.
"Each and every player wants to play against the best, and Chiefs is capable of the task that lies ahead. I look forward to it and I look forward to a great upset.”
South African football has been blessed with an abundance of talent throughout its existence and this season has not been an exception.
Both sides will have exciting youngsters leading the way in the match as they have throughout the season and Tshabalala has praised the impact they have had in their respective teams and he has also been impressed about how they carry themselves.
“Its their time and their moment; they have been doing well thus far. I also want to commend their attitude and bravery as well.
“When they are on the field, they don’t play like youngsters but they play like players that are mature, which is good because it means they are up for the task.
“What matters is that they take the responsibility and that is what completes a footballer; both sets of players will stand up. There is excitement around the derby, and that is what it is all about, as the whole country will be divided and I expect Chiefs will step up on the day.”