Willard Katsande points out value in Carling Black Label Cup Soweto derby

Willard Katsande

KAIZER Chiefs midfielder Willard Katsande has trumpeted Saturday’s Carling Black Label contest against their rivals Orlando Pirates and re-emphasised its importance.

The pre-season friendly between the two Soweto giants takes place at the FNB Stadium, where yet another huge crowd of over 70 000 is expected gather after it was confirmed that tickets had been sold out.

For all the voices of condemnation about the purpose of this fixture, it remains appreciated in the dressing rooms and by those who watch from the stands.

“When you are playing a derby it is an interesting game and people can take it as a pre-season game, but the history between these two teams is always exciting,” says Katsande.

“There will be many supporters coming for this game, some coming from outside the country, which shows that it is an important game.

“We also have bragging rights to play for. Plus I think we need to help the new guys and the upcoming stars to try to explain what it means to play in the derby and the requirements.

“For now we have told them, ‘Yes, you were playing against Pirates wherever you were, but now you are playing against Pirates in Chiefs colours, so the atmosphere is different just like the tempo will also be different.’

“So we are trying to make them a bit relaxed and ready to play.”

The Zimbabwean hardman adds that they have also been working on their defensive shape as they seek to avoid the tragedy that befell them late last season, when they were conceding costly goals towards the end of matches.

“We are trying to work on one or two things and tweaking some aspects of our game. Overall we are continuing from last season because last season we were playing some fantastic footballm,” he explains.

“It is only that we couldn’t win anything and we were conceding so we are trying to work on our defensive shape to make everyone understand that everyone is a defender.

“In order for you to attack well you need to defend properly so that is what we are working on, everybody must have a role in defending.

“If you look at the history of football it shows that the more you are jealous with your goals the more you are bound to win matches. So obviously good defending wins you championships,” concludes Katsande. kickoff.com