Prominent Kaizer Chiefs supporter Saddam Maake says it is about time Chiefs start winning the Carling Black Label Cup after lifting the trophy only once in four years.
Now in its fifth year, the competition will once more see the rivalry between Chiefs and Orlando Pirates continue when the teams meet at FNB Stadium on Saturday.
“It is about time things change at the team,” said Maake. “This is a different derby, we have two local coaches going head-to-head after a very long time. Chiefs have been coached by foreign coaches for a while now but now, we have Steve (Komphela). He has to win this one and not by penalties as Pirates have done in previous years.
“I don’t want to see us winning by penalties. We know this is a competition which allows the fans to be the coaches for the day, but Komphela’s input will be useful. It is a warm-up game for him, and we want to see if he will be ready for the season ahead,” said the outspoken Chiefs fan.
Pirates first claimed the Cup in its inaugural year (2011), beating Chiefs 4-3 on penalties.
The following year the Buccaneers retained the Cup after a late equaliser by Benni McCarthy sent the game to penalties, which the Sea Robbers won 5-4.
In 2013, a single goal by former Amakhosi player Lehlohonolo Majoro – who now turns out for Eric Tinkler’s team – saw Chiefs claim the Cup for the first time.
However, Chiefs failed to keep the Cup at Naturena in 2014 after another goalless draw, which saw Pirates once again winning the derby 6-5 on penalties.
The match might be a pre-season friendly, but to the fans of the two Soweto Giants, that couldn’t be further from the reality as Maake explained: “It is a derby, the biggest of all derbies in the country. There is no way we can call it a friendly game. It is very important to everyone. We have new players, new jersey and most importantly, it is a derby.”
Maake added that he is looking forward to the game, as it will give the fans an idea of how the teams will perform in the new season. “We want to see our new players. We have Xulu (Siyanda) at the back, he is very good. And some of our new signings we will see them in the second half.
“The only thing I am afraid off is winning this Cup and then going through the whole season without winning anything as we did in 2013. I think we will win this game 3-1,” said Maake confidently. - The Star