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Masango on whether Chiefs should sacrifice league tie in back-to-back derbies

Orlando Pirates’ Patrick Maswanganyi and Kaizer Chiefs’ Samkelo Zwane during the Soweto Derby - Picture courtesy of Kaizer Chiefs

Mandla Masango has given his opinion on whether Kaizer Chiefs should prioritise the Nedbank Cup final over their Betway Premiership clash against Orlando Pirates, with the two sides set to clash in back-to-back Soweto Derbies.

Pirates and Chiefs will engage in two quick derbies – a league match on 3 May at the FNB Stadium, and the Nedbank Cup final on 10 May at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

The two Soweto giants met in the league’s first round this season where the Buccaneers secured a 1-0 victory over the Phefeni Glamour Boys, with Patrick Maswanganyi netting the decisive goal from the penalty spot.

Even with Amakhosi desperate to win the Nedbank final to end their ten-year wait for a trophy, the former Chiefs winger Masango says the league clash also remains crucial, and neither of the two upcoming Soweto Derbies can be treated as less important.

MASANGO – ‘THERE’S NO FRIENDLY GAME IN SOWETO DERBY’

“No, in the derby, there’s no friendly game, they all matter,” said Masango during the SuperSportBET event.

“So, whoever steps on the field on the day of the [league] derby, he needs to give his all, 100%.

“Supporters don’t have the luxury of saying, ‘No, we can win this one or lose that one’. They always want to be high there.

“They try to encourage players to win at all costs. Sometimes, the results don’t go their way, but both matches are very much important.”

Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Samkelo Zwane against Orlando Pirates – Picture courtesy of Kaizer Chiefs

Masango emphasised that coaches and senior players have a crucial role to play in helping Chiefs’ young players maintain their focus during the two upcoming Soweto Derbies.

MASANGO SAYS COACHES & SENIOR PLAYERS MUST PLAY BIG ROLE IN UPCOMING DERBIES

“This is where the coaches and senior guys come in for the youngsters. They must say to them that ‘we’re playing two big games back-to-back, we need to be 100% focused,’” Masango added.

“Such games are won on small margins. You don’t get to have an open game where you’ll see a 5-0 scoreline.

“So, the coaches must help the players to remain focused and to perform on the day.”