Nasreddine Nabi: ‘Little bit ill’ Kaizer Chiefs can stand up against Orlando Pirates

Kaizer Chiefs will be under immense pressure to deliver what may be their most pivotal result of an up-and-down season when they host arch-rivals Orlando Pirates at FNB Stadium on Saturday (3pm kick-off).

Amakhosi are in danger of finishing outside the top eight for a second consecutive season, currently sitting ninth with 30 points – level with Chippa United, who still have a game in hand over the Soweto side.

This will be the first of two Soweto Derbies between the sides, with a high-stakes Nedbank Cup final set for exactly a week after their league clash at Moses Mabhida Stadium – where more than just pride will be on the line, as both clubs are in desperate need of victories in both encounters.

Nasreddine Nabi and his charges suffered a 1-0 loss against the Buccaneers in the reverse fixture through a classy panenka by Patrick Maswanganyi, and heading into this contest, the Chiefs coach expects another tough encounter.

“The first derby was a good, entertaining game, which was decided on a small detail in the last minute,” the Tunisian said during a pre-match press conference in Johannesburg on Thursday.

“But we believe that we deserved better from that game through our performance.

“Saturday’s game will be just like any other derby. It’s going to be a very tough game, but the possibilities will be open for both teams.

“The Soweto derby is more than football; it has a lot that is beyond football and it’s a way of life in South Africa.

“We need to protect it and protect its legacy, as it’s as big as any other derby all over the continent and internationally.”

Heading into what will be a crucial match in their league season, Amakhosi have struggled to maintain any sort of consistency throughout their season.

Their 2-1 win against Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup semi-finals was impressive.

But a couple of matches after that, they were humbled by a well-oiled Marumo Gallants side at the FNB Stadium, leaving their place in the top eight in jeopardy.

The Chiefs mentor believes his side are still capable of getting a result against a wounded, but dangerous Pirates side coached by Jose Riveiro.

“If we win the derby, it will not be a surprise. If Pirates win it, it will also not be any surprises,” Nabi said.

“Despite our current log standing, we believe that two big clubs are going to play on Saturday.

“Even though we are not in a good position, we feel that whoever wins deserves it.

“The biggest teams can get ill, but they never die, and we believe that we are the biggest club in South Africa.

“And probably at this time, we are a little bit ill, but we believe that we can do something.”

The Phefeni Glamour Boys have five matches remaining in their season.

But their next two clashes will be the most important in their season as they have a chance to make an impression into the top eight, and could break their decade-long trophy drought.