Da Cruz relishes first Soweto Derby experience

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz is relishing the chance to sit on the bench for his first Soweto Derby this weekend against arch-rivals Orlando Pirates.

Da Cruz will face Abdeslam Ouaddou, who hasn’t lost a Soweto Derby since joining Pirates last season, at a sold-out FNB Stadium on Saturday.

At stake is also the eight-point gap between the two teams in the Betway Premiership log, a situation he would like to arrest before it becomes too much to chase.

But first, the Frenchman is looking forward to what he calls his biggest game in South Africa yet.

“It’s the most important game in South Africa, sold out in six hours. I believe it’s one of the best matches in Africa. It divides the country, and I think it’s a good game for the South African people,” says Da Cruz.

“It’s a good moment for the South African people. I feel good because we worked well this week. We are a team – yes, we are confident. But we know it’s going to be a difficult game against a good team, a big team. I congratulate Abdeslam [Ouaddou] on his job since his arrival at Orlando Pirates. However, I think we are ready to play this game.”

Da Cruz has also downplayed the pressure AmaKhosi are under to produce a result. He’s fully aware that results that precede the derby don’t mean much to this game.

Chiefs head into this game on the back of a morale-boosting 3-0 win over TS Galaxy in the Carling Knockout midweek.

This is the confidence Da Cruz has been looking for in his dressing room, and he hopes it carries through to this crucial game this weekend.

Da Cruz says focus will be key for his team if they want a favourable result this weekend.

As the team that has been under pressure in the past few weeks, he expects his team to do the talking on the pitch.

Next Kaizer Chiefs Match!

#BetwayPrem
Orlando Pirates vs. Kaizer Chiefs
Men’s First Team
Saturday 31 October 2026
FNB Stadium
15h30
SuperSport 202, SABC 1
SOLD OUT!
Ticket Holders, please come early!!

#Amakhosi4Life #SowetoDerby #LoveAndPeace #TheKingdomRises https://t.co/KSsjPtwk3Q

— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) October 29, 2026