Daily Dispatch

Ngcobo itching to put another one past Bucs

Kaizer Chiefs will be facing bitter rivals Orlando Pirates in the the Carling Black Label Cup clash

- SIHLE NDEBELE

The good vibe Kaizer Chiefs players picked up before facing bitter rivals Orlando Pirates in the league a fortnight ago is the same leading up to the Carling Black Label Cup clash against the old enemy.

This was confirmed by Chiefs midfield maestro Nkosingiph­ile “Mshini” Ngcobo.

The Soweto derby is at the FNB Stadium on Saturday (12pm).

The winner then faces the victor of the earlier game between Mamelodi Sundowns and AmaZulu in the final on the same day (5pm). Chiefs won the league derby 1-0. Ngcobo has given the lowdown on the mood before tomorrow’s derby, implying they take the Beer Cup as seriously as official competitio­ns.

The Chiefs midfielder also made it clear their intention was to win.

“Our energy is the same as it was before the league derby. A lot is at stake,” Ngcobo said during Chiefs’ media open day at their base in Naturena on Wednesday.

“There’s no friendly between Chiefs and Pirates. Everyone is excited and it’s good vibes all round as we are looking forward to another Soweto derby.

“This is a good competitio­n and when Chiefs and Pirates meet it’s always a big game. So we really want to win.”

The 22-year-old is also grateful to the Amakhosi faithful for voting him into the starting XI, and he promised to be in his element Saturday.

“I always appreciate the support I get from the Chiefs fans,” he said.

“To show my appreciati­on, I will bring my A game against Pirates.”

Having started just two of the nine league games he has played this season, Ngcobo is determined to double his effort to be a regular. He also aims to improve his goal tally. He boasts just six goals from 74 games in Chiefs colours.

“Maybe if I can work harder and get more game time I can score more goals and help the team,” he said.

“I am full of confidence. I believe in myself and in my abilities. So it’s a matter of time before I command a regular place in the XI.”

 ?? CHASING GOALS: Nkosingiph­ile Ngcobo of Kaizer Chiefs. Picture: DARREN STEWART ??
CHASING GOALS: Nkosingiph­ile Ngcobo of Kaizer Chiefs. Picture: DARREN STEWART

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