No Derby fears

WHILE his ability between the poles has sometimes been questioned by a section of The Ghost, Orlando Pirates' No2 goalkeeper, Senzo Meyiwa, believes he has what it takes to perform on the bigger stage.

The sometimes erratic goalminder is eager to prove his worth when Pirates engage traditional rivals Kaizer Chiefs in a highly anticipated Soweto Derby at Soccer City on Saturday (3.30pm).

Asked if he was nervous going into the popular derby, Meyiwa said he could not wait for kickoff on Saturday.

"I'm far from being nervous," he told Sowetan yesterday. "It will be my fifth derby against Chiefs and why should I be nervous today. I believe in myself and I'm going out there on Saturday to perform for my team."

Meyiwa, who will stand in for injured No 1 Moeneeb Josephs, said the players who would come in for those who were injured or suspended would deliver on the day.

Meyiwa, who would not be drawn into predicting a winner on Saturday, urged The Ghost to come in numbers to rally around the team "because their support will be crucial in our bid to win the league title".

Amakhosi coach Vladimir Vermezovic expects Pirates to try every trick in the book to win, including spreading false information about 'injured' stars.

But Vermezovic is not convinced that the likes of Andile Jali and Thulasizwe Mbuyane will miss the match.

"Players want to be involved in this match so much that they'd even play with one leg," he said.