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Mokwena focusing on Highlands, not Chiefs

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Rhulani Mokwena, coach of Orlando Pirates

Orlando Pirates coach Rulani Mokwena insists he’s not looking ahead to Saturday’s Soweto derby against Kaizer Chiefs but is fully focused on the clash with Highlands Park.

The Sea Robbers face the Lions of the North in an Absa Premiership clash on Tuesday evening at the Makhulong Stadium, before a Telkom Knockout quarter-final against their old foes at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Pirates have endured an indifferent run of form since Mokwena has taken over the hot seat. With the Soweto giants sitting 10th with nine points after eight games (11 behind the league leaders Chiefs), the interim coach says his focus is solely on the game against Owen Da Gama’s charges.

‘I’m not even thinking about Chiefs, I’ve got Highlands Park next,’ said Mokwena after his side’s 1-0 loss to Stellenbosch over the weekend.

‘You saw how difficult it was for Sundowns to beat Highlands Park. Hard running team … very, very good on dead-ball situations. Difficult team with lots of very good players up front. [Peter] Shalulile and [Lindokuhle] Mbatha have a lot of speed. For now, the starting point is to analyse this game and check it out and focus 100% on Highlands.

‘That’s our most important game at the moment and not Kaizer Chiefs,’ Mokwena concluded.