Orlando Pirates news: Micho cautions against prioritising derby over Chippa clash

With the Soweto derby looming on the horizon, Orlando Pirates fans can be forgiven for placing all their focus on the big clash against fierce rivals Kaizer Chiefs, despite having an equally important fixture to contend with first up. However, not the same can be said of the players and coaching staff, and coach Milutin Sredojevic has emphasised the importance of getting over the hurdle posed by Chippa United over the weekend.

The Buccaneers square off against the Chilli Boys at Orlando Stadium on Saturday in a first-round Telkom Knockout encounter and are determined to avoid another early exit, following the disappointment of the premature end to their MTN8 campaign earlier this season.

Despite the excitement surrounding next weekend’s derby, where all 82 000 tickets have already been sold out, the man known as “Micho’ cautioned against his side getting ahead of themselves.

“With due respect to the Derby, yes, it is the biggest match of the season,” he is quoted on Sport24.

“We know what it means when the country is at a standstill, but we have no right to think beyond Chippa United.

“We want to give respect to Chippa United, self-respect to ourselves, special respect to the game of football.

“That’s why we are totally focused on the Chippa United game.”

Orlando Pirates have met Chippa United already this season, in a league clash that was decided by an own goal which gave the Buccaneers the first win of their league campaign.

The win was followed by an early exit in the MTN8, as they were beaten in a penalty shootout by Supersport United after the match had ended deadlocked at 2-2 in normal title.

The Soweto giants have gone on to win a further three league games so far this season, and are currently second on the log behind Bidvest Wits.

Kick off on Saturday is at 20:15.