Kaizer Chiefs defender Erick Mathoho says he is relishing the chance to lock horns with Orlando Pirates in the Carling Black Label Champion Cup on Saturday.

The 27-year-old recently missed out on Amakhosi’s stalemate against Botswana side Township Rollers after falling ill with the flu.

The Amakhosi defender says he is ready and looking forward to playing against the Buccaneers in a mouth-watering Soweto Derby.

‘Playing against Orlando Pirates is always special,’ Mathoho told his clubs official website.

‘Tower’ is heading into his sixth season with the Glamour Boys since joining the club from Bloemfontein Celtic during the 2011-12 campaign.

Mathoho says he is pleased with the way Chiefs’ pre-season has been going so far and says he is looking forward to giving a great performance if he is voted for by the fans.

‘We are all getting to know each other better, which bodes well for the future,’ he added.

‘If you get voted in, it’s up to you to make the fans happy.’

Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates are expected to go head-to-head in what is expected to be an enticing Soweto derby when the two sides meet in the Carling Black Label Champion Cup clash on Saturday.

The match at the FNB Stadium kicks off at 15:30.