Former Kaizer Chiefs star Mandla Masango has looked ahead to this weekend’s Soweto Derby, saying it is both a frightening and glorious opportunity for players to shine and cherish.
Chiefs have a shot at moving to within five points of Betway Premiership leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, but bitter rivals Orlando Pirates stand in the way at the FNB Stadium on Saturday at 15:30 CAT.
Speaking ahead of the much-anticipated showdown, Masango, who lifted two league titles with Chiefs, said the game will test the players’ mental strength.
The Kwaggafontein-born former midfielder added that the event also offers players the opportunity to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Masango said the beauty of the derby makes an individual’s poor form in previous games almost irrelevant. The former Bafana Bafana international described the pressure as unique and exciting.
MANDLA MASANGO: ‘MILLIONS MORE WILL BE WATCHING FROM HOME’
He explained how playing in front of tens of thousands of fans can turn any moment into a career-defining experience. Even players who are out of form can rise to the occasion when the derby arrives.
“A game of this magnitude requires a lot of mental strength,” Masango said on SuperSport TV.
“It is not easy to play in front of 90,000 supporters, plus millions more watching from home. You just take this moment and cherish it for the rest of your life.
“Games like this bring the best out of you, even if you are out of form. Sometimes you come into this game having played three or four bad games, but when it comes to this one, people forget about the others.
“This morning [Thursday], I was on a call with one of my friends. He is a big Kaizer Chiefs fan. He said, ‘Mandla, please tell the guys to win. Please, just do everything to win, because it will make our year.’
“You see the magnitude of this game and what it does to the supporters,” Masango added.
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