Orlando Pirates skipper Innocent Maela has revealed the message he is preaching to his teammates as they approach their Nedbank Cup semi-final against Kaizer Chiefs.
The two Soweto giants are pencilled to collide on Saturday afternoon at the FNB Stadium in a crunch semi-final.
No doubt, clashes between these two foes are never short of mouth-watering action and fans are likely to be kept on the edge their seats.
Kaizer Chiefs were triumphant in their last two meetings, something the Buccaneers hope to end.
However the Orlando Pirates skipper Innocent Maela has been preaching a rather sobering message to his teammates.
WHAT INNOCENT MAELA IS TELLING HIS TEAMMATES
Maela has been telling his teammates not to read much into their last meetings with Kaizer Chiefs to avoid disruptions.
“As players we don’t go to matches thinking about the past result. That’s the message in camp. For us it’s important that we focus on the game and the plan that the coaches will present to us,” said Maela.
“And we will make sure that we compete to the best of our abilities. We don’t focus on the past. We know that we have a new opportunity on Saturday, and we will compete as best as we can.
Consequently, coach Jose Riveiro says they always shred the form book when they meet arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs.
The Buccaneers have been enjoying a rich vein of form in the DStv Premiership where they won six of their last seven matches.
“Everything that the team has been expressing recently on the field makes us feel comfortable as we go into the competition.
“We are not only confident about this game. At the moment, we are in the last part of the season about to play finals and crucial games.
“We feel strong but what is coming on Saturday is a different game. Everyone knows, its a football game.
Jose Riveiro added: “Nothing has changed but there are much more things around it to play one more final.
“It’s a knockout game, we are not talking about three points and that makes it more special.
“If not mistaken, its the second circumstance we play with them. Our opposition has been good against us. Results are in their favour.
“So the momentum of form matters less considering the opponent. Like the captain said, its about making sure that we want it more than them.”
RELATED STORY: Nedbank Cup semi-finals draw: Soweto derby takes centre stage