Orlando Pirates defender Innocent Maela has urged his side to ignore the hype around the Soweto derby and focus on playing Kaizer Chiefs.

The Soweto giants are set to lock horns for the second time in seven days at the FNB Stadium in the Absa Premiership on Saturday.

The last time the two sides met, Amakhosi claimed bragging rights after securing a 4-2 win on penalties in the Telkom Knockout Cup at the Moses Mabhida Stadium last weekend.

Maela has stressed the importance of remaining calm and to concentrate on their tactics as they prepare for this mouthwatering clash with their Soweto rivals.

‘I think it’s very important for us as players to remember we’re playing the match and not the occasion. The occasion is for the supporters to enjoy and for us as players, we have to ensure we play the match the way we should,’ Maela told the media.

‘The way we know how to play the match and we will see what happens after Saturday, but for us as players, we have to remain calm, concentrate on the tactics and just play the match.’

Orlando Pirates against Kaizer Chiefs kicks off at 3:30pm.