After ‘hard journey’, there’s light for George Matlou at Kaizer Chiefs ahead of Soweto derby against Orlando Pirates

THE importance of Kaizer Chiefs getting a positive result in Saturday’s Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates cannot be overestimated.

Granted, the big one is next weekend’s Nedbank Cup final clash between the two clubs in Durban, which will be much more tangible for the Amakhosi, given they will have a trophy to show for their efforts should they dethrone the champions.

But the value of securing three points in their home match at the FNB Stadium (3pm kick-off) would be massive for Chiefs as they look to avoid missing out on a top-eight finish two seasons in succession.

Chiefs finished 10th last season, and are currently out of the top eight spots, with less than a handful of matches to go.

It’s almost win or bust for the Amakhosi, and George Matlou says as a team, they are aware of what is at stake and will be going all out to secure the three points.

Speaking to the media at the pre-match conference in Johannesburg on Thursday, the midfielder refuted suggestions they only lift their game in the big matches.

“It’s not like that. Every game is important. It does not matter if it’s a big game or a small game... we can’t say there’s a small team in the PSL,” the Chiefs midfielder said.

“I am not going to undermine any team that’s playing in the PSL. (If they are here), it shows that they have quality.”

He does admit, though, that some matches are bigger by nature.

“Of course, there are big matches like the Soweto Derby, and also playing against a team like (Mamelodi) Sundowns – it motivates you.

“I don’t think there’s a player who does not want to play in a big game.”

He played when Chiefs beat Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup recently, and actually provided an assist for one of the goals, having struggled with injuries in the past.

Do Chiefs get any kind of inspiration from that victory going into the clash with Pirates?

Matlou says confidence is ever-present at Chiefs, although many would argue against that, given just how inconsistent the Amakhosi have been this and in previous seasons – the club being trophyless for close on 10 years now.

“We’ve been confident enough that any team that can come, we will get the maximum points.

“It does not matter which team we are playing against. We know a big game is a big game.”

This one is the biggest of them all in the country, and with Chiefs having it as bad as they have been – although the same can now be said of Pirates, who lost their last two matches – how are Chiefs coping with the pressure of having to beat an old adversary who put one over them in the first round?

“Pressure is there. We know we have to win the game on Saturday. But pressure has been there from the first game of the season. Playing for Chiefs, there’s always pressure.”

He has pressure of his own too, Matlou looking to thank the club for keeping faith in him despite injuries keeping him out for a long period.

The club renewed his contract when he was on the sidelines recovering, and the emotions of that decision boiled over in one of his earlier matches back when he produced a Player-of-the-Match performance.

“It was a hard journey for me. Spending almost all of last year without doing what I love, going  to training and seeing teammates going to the field and I am going the other way to the gym... So, you can imagine how I was feeling,” Matlou said.

“Imagine going to training everyday, but you are not taking part (in matches), so it was a bit of a hard journey for me.

“I learnt through the journey, and I’ve grown strong and I am happy to be back.”

The fact that his injury happened when his contract was up for renewal understandably gave him some sleepless nights.

“Of course, you’re going to be a bit worried because you don’t know where your future is,” he said.

“I had to wait for the club to make the decision, and I am grateful that they gave me another opportunity to stay.”

So, when you see Matlou going all out against Pirates at the weekend, you know it is because the man is keen to not only showcase his talent and help the Amakhosi regain some glory and move up the table into the top eight, but he will also be showing his gratitude to a club that stood by him when many would probably not have.