Chiefs go into hiding

2005-10-27 13:44

Vincent Mashego

Johannesburg - Kaizer Chiefs have opted to stay in their Magaliesberg mountain resort in preparation for Saturday's all-important Soweto derby against Orlando Pirates at the FNB Stadium.

The squad played to a goalless draw with Classic in a Premiership clash at Rustenburg's Olympia Park on Wednesday night. Coach Ernst Middendorp decided to stay there until Saturday to get ready for the PSL match.

Middendorp wants peace and quiet of the mountains to prepare his players, away from eyes of fans and the media. He has been concerned that there are too many distractions in Johannesburg.

But isn't it incredible that only days before the derby, Chiefs were doing their best to forget about the biggest encounter on the PSL calendar? Mentioning Orlando Pirates at Naturena before Chiefs' clash against Classic played on Wednesday night, was like waving a red rag in front of a bull.

But Amakhosi could be playing mind games ahead of the big derby at the FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

80 000 passionate fans

After edging the Maritzburg side 2-1 in the Coca-Cola Cup clash at the same venue last weekend, Chiefs are fully aware of what is at stake when 80 000 passionate fans fill up the FNB Stadium for the derby showdown.

Small wonder Middendorp said the two matches were potential league deciders which needed preparation. Chiefs players are keeping a low profile: "Pirates have been on top of their game and should go into this game as favourites," said one player.

"That's how we like it, it suits us best." They are in for a huge surprise if they judge us by our recent performance."

Middendorp released is not giving much away. He released a squad of 20 players, but left an opening for players who may come back from injury or be lost through suspensions and injuries.

- Daily Sun