Orlando Pirates interim coach Rulani Mokwena believes Kaizer Chiefs are the favourites going into the Soweto derby clash in the Telkom Knockout quarter-finals on Saturday afternoon.

At the start of the season many viewed Pirates as the leading force in Soweto, but over the last few months the Buccaneers have undergone a number of changes which they have struggled to deal with, while their arch-rivals have hit their stride and sit atop the league standings.

Amakhosi have won eight of their 10 matches in the league, while the Buccaneers have managed only three victories in as many games since Mokwena took over and have also suffered exits from the MTN8 and Caf Champions League.

Speaking in the buildup to the encounter, the young Pirates coach admitted that the Glamour Boys are stronger at the moment, but his side knows what needs to be done on Saturday.

‘I don’t want to use the term underdog out of respect for our players, but obviously Chiefs are stronger and we accept that,’ Mokwena said.

‘They must show on the pitch that they are stronger. They are not conceding a lot of goals – only six this season. And they are a free-scoring team with 15 goals. We know what we have to face and we are prepared. Chiefs are favourites.’

The clash on Saturday will offer the sides a chance to progress to a cup semi-final as they both look to end their respective trophy droughts.

Kick-off at the Moses Mabhida for the TKO quarter-final Soweto derby is scheduled for 3:30pm.