Ajax Cape Town coach Roger de Sa says he has been involved in bigger derbies than Friday’s Mother City derby against new rivals Cape Town City.
The weekend’s game will be the first all-Cape top-flight clash since the 2012-13 season.
And to add more spice to the local clash, there's the feud between Ajax owners the Efstathious and their brother.
But the Urban Warriors face Polokwane City at Cape Town Stadium tonight (7.30pm) and De Sa’s focus is firmly on that.
Asked if he is feeling the derby vibe, the former Orlando Pirates coach says: “No. I’ve played in bigger derbies than this.”
De Sa added that they will be making their home games a priority this season.
And against tricky opposition like Polokwane who come over having already lost (to Cape Town City)at the Cape Town Stadium, he has urged his players to lift their game.
“We look forward to playing at home. Playing away does hurt us a bit.
“We have to take advantage of being at home. We have to do the best we can.”
De Sa just wants to get his team playing and picking up points, with only a draw and a defeat in their two games so far this season.
“We have to get it right now. We feel like we’ve dropped five points. Every game is key, every one. These are the ones that make the difference. It’s these type of games you know that you want your points from.”
And De Sa feels that his side will have enough in the tank after the Polokwane test. for the clash with their fellow Capetonians
“We have enough to rest and recover. We have that extra day, which is OK.
“The 48-hour break is tricky. But so early in the season, it doesn’t have an impact on us at all,” he said.
Ajax gave a good account of themselves in their last home game against Orlando Pirates but lost 2-1 when they allowed Tendai Ndoro two quick goals.
The Star