Former Orlando Pirates star: ‘You can’t walk the streets before the derby’

As The South African reported in the week, the two Soweto giants are meeting again this weekend to deliver the biggest event in South African sports.

The battle, which has always taken place at the FNB Stadium, has been moved to the Orlando Stadium on Saturday 5 March at 15:30.

Leading up to the game, Pirates’ former keeper Mhlongo described what it is like for players in the days leading up to the match.

“A week before the derby, you can’t walk in the streets,” Mhlongo said on the MacG Podcast.

“Because when you step out, [people will be like]’uyaphi? Ungabe uya resta.’(where are you going? You should be resting.),” he added.

“‘Ze’ nidlilwe nge weekend ulek’ ugcwel’ istraati nje’ (Just dare lose the match this weekend after gallivanting in the streets like this).”

“But guys, before I am a footballer, I am human,” Mhlongo added.

PIRATES HAVE AN ADVANTAGE OVER CHIEFS IN THE SOWETO DERBY SAYS JACKSON 

Meanwhile, a former Orlando Pirates player, Willem Jackson, believes Bucs will have a slight advantage in the Soweto derby.

Following Kaizer Chiefs’ lack of action in midweek, Jackson feels that it was a crucial opportunity missed rather than a welcome rest.

While other observers have said Pirates players might be tired, Jackson believes there is no such thing, instead, it is training and mental preparation.

“People might say the boys are tired, but it’s an hour and a half of play, So it’s part of training, you preparing yourself for the weekend,” he said via Kick Off.

“Playing midweek is a good thing for Pirates players, it keeps them in camp together.