New boys learn about big derby
KATSANDE: PLAYING BUCS IN OUR COLOURS DIFFERENT
Midfield star says the team are working hard on their defence.
Kaizer Chiefs central midfielder Willard Katsande says he and the rest of the club’s senior players have been explaining to the new members of the Amakhosi squad what it means to play against Orlando Pirates with the Soweto giants set to clash in the Carling Black Label Champions Cup at the FNB Stadium on Saturday.
Amakhosi promoted youngsters Wiseman Meyiwa as well as Nkosingiphile Ngcobo to the senior team, and also secured the services of Philani Zulu, Teenage Hadebe and Bongolethu Jayiya.
“We have to explain to the new players and youngsters what it means to play in the derby and what the requirements are.
“What we have been saying to them is that, yes, they might have played against Pirates before, but playing Pirates in Kaizer Chiefs colours is a very different atmosphere and the tempo is different. So, we are trying to make them relax and ready to play,” said the midfielder.
Ahead of the clash, the tough-tackling midfielder adds that he has been working very hard at training and says the game might just be a pre-season friendly match, but that doesn’t really mean anything because a meeting between Chiefs and Pirates is always electrifying.
“Some people may take it as a pre-season friendly game, but the history between the two teams makes it exciting and the fact that a lot of people travel from all over the country and outside to watch the game makes it a very important clash.”
And now with less than three weeks to the start of the new season, the Zimbabwean international says their mandate is to improve from last season, particularly in defence.
“We are trying to improve on some aspects of our game, but we are continuing from last season because we played some fantastic football, it’s just a pity we didn’t win anything. We conceded a lot of goals last season and right now we are trying to work on our defensive play.”
Some people may take it as a pre-season friendly game, but the history between the teams makes it exciting.
Willard Katsande Kaizer Chiefs midfielder