Former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper William Shongwe has recalled how club legend Doctor Khumalo struggled in his maiden Soweto derby.
The Glamour Boys are hosts for this weekend’s encounter and will be looking to move into third place while Pirates are hoping to reclaim top spot on the log.
Shongwe spoke to iDiski Times senior journalist Matshelane Mamabolo in the Soweto derby edition of the newspaper about the magnitude of the match with ‘Cool Cat’ emphasising this is not a usual game.
“Unfortunately, the answer is No [not enough psychologists to prepare players],” Shongwe told iDiski Times.
“You’re on your own. People just simply take it that because you’ve played for Pirates or Chiefs and you’ve featured in this game and that game; you’ll therefore just walk into the park with this one as well.
“That it will be normal. But No. This is not a normal game. I still remember how Doctor Khumalo was shaking for his debut in the Charity Cup back in 1987, and we had to calm him down and help him settle.”
Meanwhile, there will be a fair big number of players playing in the derby for the first time and the SuperSport TV commentator’s advice to the debutants is confidence and relying on experience and guidance from senior players.
“The challenge for the debutants is that you cannot afford to expose yourself to the immense pressure,” added Shongwe.
“You’ve got to just walk in there as if it’s normal and you’re excited about it. But they don’t know what’s going on inside of you. So, these players, they’ve already featured in a number of games for Pirates or Chiefs.
“The ones at Pirates have won two cups already, so they’ve got some source of confidence. But the nerves will be there, and the older and senior players in and around you have to say, ‘hey son, come on, come on now. You can do this thing.’
The Soweto sides meet on Saturday in the league at FNB Stadium with a lot at stake after poor outings in the previous week leading up the game.
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