Kaizer Chiefs striker Bernard Parker is relishing the possibility of facing arch-rivals Orlando Pirates in what would be his 30th appearance in the Soweto derby.

The 35-year-old missed Amakhosi’s 1-0 victory over Baroka FC in the DStv Premiership this past weekend due to injury, but is now available for selection when Stuart Baxter’s men take on the Buccaneers on Saturday.

Amakhosi will go into the clash looking for maximum points as they currently sit third in the league standings with 32 points from 18 games, while Pirates are a place and a point below them having played two more games.

“Yes, I am happy to be back and always ready to play in these types of games. We live for these games – you want to be involved in this game because it is one of the biggest derbies on the continent. It is always an honour to play in this match,” Parker told his club’s official website.

The veteran striker will be appearing in his 21st Soweto derby against Pirates as he attempts to chase Siphiwe Tshabalala’s record 31 derby appearances.

“I am very proud to reach such a milestone. It is always with joy and a host of other good emotions that I look ahead to this game. The buildup, the hype, the talk, the history … it’s an exciting feeling,” he added.

“One of the best derbies I featured in was captaining the team in the 100th league derby last season, which we won. While I would describe these games as always being a nerve-wracking encounter, I never want to lose against Pirates.

“With Pirates style of play and movement, they can always be a hiccup. They have good flair. How to contain that is a challenge. With my experience, I know how to contain and manage that.”

With a Caf Champions League place on the line, Parker is well aware of the magnitude of the derby as both teams are gunning to secure their place at next season’s continental competition.

“It’s very, very crucial for us to win. I had a conversation with Daniel Cardoso, we believe winning will set the tone and be a massive confidence booster for us to gain momentum. Winning will lift everything in us for us to get into the Caf Champions League.

“I feel good and refreshed and can’t wait to be on the field again, given the chance,” concluded Parker.