Motshwari relishing Soweto derby showdown

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Orlando Pirates midfielder Ben Motshwari

Orlando Pirates midfielder Ben Motshwari says he is looking forward to participating in his first Soweto derby against arch rivals Kaizer Chiefs.

The Buccaneers will take on rivals Amakhosi for the first time this campaign when they square off at the FNB Stadium on 24 October.

Motshwari, who joined Pirates from Bidvest Wits at the start of the season, has already scored one goal from eight appearances in all competitions.

The Gauteng-born midfielder says he is focused on the Buccaneers next clash against Chippa United in the Telkom Knockout Cup, but is excited to represent Pirates in his first derby encounter which follows.

‘Yeah, but we have to concentrate on the game that’s on our hands now. I wouldn’t want to look forward to the Derby while we have another game to play,’ Motshwari tells KickOff.com.

‘The Derby is a derby, and I’ve never played in one before so hopefully I’ll get an opportunity in this one. But, for now, like I’ve said, we have to concentrate on the next game.’

The 27-year-old midfielder admits it will be an emotional affair should he be selected for the derby, but remains excited at the possibility of realising his dream of playing in front of a packed crowd of 90 000 supporters.

‘It’s every footballer’s dream to play in a 90 000-capacity stadium that’s packed,’ he added.

‘We know always in the townships things stand still when Chiefs and Pirates play, so for me it’s going to be an emotional day but at the same time I’ll be happy.

‘That’s what you want to do when you’re a footballer, and those are the moments that you want to be involved in when you play football.’

Orlando Pirates will now take on Chippa United in the Telkom Knockout Cup at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday with kick off scheduled for 8:15pm.

Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix