Pirates to play the game, not the occasion

SOWETO DERBY

- MIHLALI BALEKA

CAPTAIN Innocent Maela is the most experienced player in the current Orlando Pirates squad, and that's why he knows what it'll take to win the Soweto derby.

Pirates will visit their arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs in a Premiership clash at a sold-out FNB Stadium this afternoon (3pm kick-off).

Both teams are on a low after losing their last league matches at home to Marumo Gallants and Sekhukhune United.

The loss to Gallants put Chiefs' top-eight aspirations in serious jeopardy, while Pirates' title challenge is on ice after losing to Sekhukhune.

Hence, they both need to win at FNB.

The odds tip the Sea Robbers to sail to another victory over their bitter rivals, having won the reverse leg at the Calabash in February.

But Maela, who's been at Pirates since 2017, has been around long enough to share the secret recipe they'll need to apply to serve the perfect dish to their fans.

"When we play the Soweto derby, form doesn't count. We know that as players, given the experience that we've gained over the years," Maela said.