Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Shaun Bartlett wants his side to head into the Soweto derby with confidence and not with the fear of making mistakes against Orlando Pirates.

Ernst Middendorp’s side will be hoping to bounce back in the league following their 1-0 defeat to Cape Town City in their previous encounter at the FNB Stadium on 30 January.

The Glamour Boys currently occupy sixth place in the Absa Premiership standings with 27 points from 19 matches, while the Buccaneers are in second place with 32 points from 18 games.

Speaking about whether or not his side are ready for their mouth-watering clash against their arch-rivals, Bartlett told the club’s official website: ‘It’s going to by my first Soweto Derby as a coach. I hope to help make sure we can be on the winning side and get the three points. Our performances have been really good thus far.’

‘I just have to make sure as a coach that I instil that confidence in the player’s mind, because the Derby can be very stressful for players, and they put unnecessary pressure on themselves. They’re scared to make mistakes, whereas in football you’re always going to make mistakes.

‘The coaches’ job will be done come Saturday, and it will be up to the players to produce. The little impact we can have as coaches is by making substitutions. The work is pretty much done by Friday, and then it’s up to the players to go out and display their talent and show why they’re part of Kaizer Chiefs.’

Kaizer Chiefs are set to welcome rivals Orlando Pirates to the FNB Stadium when the two sides square off in the Absa Premiership on Saturday, with kick-off set for 3:30pm.

Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix