Da Cruz on why Kaizer Chiefs are confident ahead of Soweto Derby

Kaizer Chiefs come into the Soweto Derby high in confidence following their 3-0 win over TS Galaxy midweek.

Amakhosi coach Fernando Da Cruz felt a win on Tuesday lifted the spirit of the team heading into the derby weekend.

It will be the first time the French coach faces Orlando Pirates.

“It’s the most important game in South Africa. Sold out in six hours, one of the best games in Africa,” Da Cruz said.

“It divides the country. It’s a good moment for South African football.”

The Kaizer Chiefs coach praised Bucs coach Abdeslam Ouaddou for the work he’s done at Pirates since taking over in 2025.

“I’m good. We worked well this week with the team, we are confident. But we know it’s a difficult game against a good team, a big team.

“I have congratulate Abdes for the job since his arrival at Orlando Pirates. But we are ready for the game.”

Kaizer Chiefs high in confidence

A win for Amakhosi will revive their title ambitions but defeat will all but end their hopes of winning the Betway Premiership this season.

Da Cruz though feels his team should be confident from midweek win against Galaxy.

“We come to the game with a lot of confidence – when you score three goals and don’t concede you’ve got a lot of confidence,” the Kaizer Chiefs coach added.

“But we always want to improve the team, even when we win. So we must keep this confidence when we go to the derby.”