Merafe On Pirates’ Impressive Run Ahead Of Chiefs Clash

Orlando Pirates Media Officer Thandi Merafe during the Betway Premiership Soweto Derby Press Conference in Randburg. Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix

Orlando Pirates are not looking to downplay their status heading into Saturday’s eagerly anticipated Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs, with media officer Thandi Merafe expressing confidence in the team’s current form and ambitions.

The two Soweto giants are preparing to renew their rivalry at the sold-out FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, with both teams looking to make a statement in arguably the biggest fixture on the South African football calendar.

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Speaking during Thursday’s Soweto Derby press conference in Randburg, Merafe reflected on Pirates’ impressive run of form, pointing out that the club’s current performances are a continuation of the work done during the previous season, when they were crowned Betway Premiership champions.

The Buccaneers head into the encounter having enjoyed a strong start to the campaign, with Merafe highlighting their consistency, attacking output and defensive solidity as key indicators of where the team currently stands.

“We cannot ignore the run that we’ve had. It’s been an amazing run, a continuation from the previous season, where we were the champions of the Betway Premiership,” the media officer said.

“We go into this Soweto Derby as the champions of the Betway Premiership, and that holds its own weight. Obviously, we’ve had an amazing run. If you look at the stats, we literally haven’t lost at all at this stage. We’ve had just one draw, and the goals are coming thick and fast.”

Merafe also believes that it is not only the results that have stood out, but the style of football associated with the Soweto giants, suggesting that the players have a clear understanding of what is expected of them by the technical team.

“But I think it’s the style of football, for me, that defines Orlando Pirates Football Club and has always defined Orlando Pirates Football Club over the years. That tells you that we’re in a very good space, that the players understand what’s required of them from the technical team.

“Just looking at the team that the management has put together, it’s really amazing. They’ve put this together pretty well, and that’s a great way to get results,” she added.

While Pirates have attracted attention for their goalscoring performances, Merafe was also keen to acknowledge the contribution of the defensive unit, including the work being done by the team’s goalkeeper Sipho Chaine.

With the derby approaching, the Pirates representative made it clear that the club would not be approaching the fixture with an underdog mentality or looking to play down its achievements.

Instead, the message from Ezimnyama is that they are going into the clash with the intention of securing maximum points against their bitter rivals.

“It’s not just about scoring goals, but the entire team. At the back, we have been very solid, and I think we’re still maintaining one of the highest clean-sheet records, thanks to our goalkeeper.

“So, yeah, we’re doing well, and we’re not going to shy away from that and say we are underdogs or downplay who we are and what we want to do.

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“We’re looking to win the Soweto Derby this weekend, and that’s the mentality going into this match,” Merafe concluded.

With the FNB Stadium sold out, Bucs will now look to translate that confidence into a performance on the pitch when they come up against Amakhosi on Saturday.

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