Orlando Pirates coach Eric Tinkler will probably be more relaxed than his newbie Kaizer Chiefs counterpart Steve Komphela on the touchline at FNB Stadium tomorrow.
Tinkler is yet to win a Soweto derby since he took over the reigns at Pirates last year, but he said he never feels the pressure on derby day. The Soweto giants clash tomorrow in the pre-season Carling Black Label Cup for the fifth time (3.30pm).
The Buccaneers will be favourites as they have been playing competitive football in the CAF Confederation Cup while Amakhosi have been trying to regain match fitness with friendlies.
"Obviously, I have not been preparing for this game the same way I would prepare for a league fixture or an MTN8 final," Tinkler said yesterday.
"But on match day, believe it or not, I am actually comfortable and confident. I know there is no need to motivate the players to get the best out of them. That takes the pressure off me as a coach knowing the players will perform to the best of their ability.
"The derby is a special occasion. Walking out to 95000 fans is an experience not many coaches get to experience, and I enjoy every moment of it."
Komphela, meanwhile, said they have to adapt to the format of the competition as supporters - who voted for the starting XI - are showing the club what they like. "We have to take our cue from there.
"You can't pass on responsibility. The fact that you have been given a unique opportunity to be a coach of this club means that any result coming will be pointing at you even though one accepts the fact that it is in the control of the people.
"We have played this competition four times and have lost it thrice and won once. And that is a reflection on us, not how supporters wanted to see things."
Fans will be hoping for an entertaining clash than the dreary encounters they've seen between the sides in recent seasons.
Tinkler searches for first derby win
Orlando Pirates coach Eric Tinkler will probably be more relaxed than his newbie Kaizer Chiefs counterpart Steve Komphela on the touchline at FNB Stadium tomorrow.
Tinkler is yet to win a Soweto derby since he took over the reigns at Pirates last year, but he said he never feels the pressure on derby day. The Soweto giants clash tomorrow in the pre-season Carling Black Label Cup for the fifth time (3.30pm).
The Buccaneers will be favourites as they have been playing competitive football in the CAF Confederation Cup while Amakhosi have been trying to regain match fitness with friendlies.
"Obviously, I have not been preparing for this game the same way I would prepare for a league fixture or an MTN8 final," Tinkler said yesterday.
"But on match day, believe it or not, I am actually comfortable and confident. I know there is no need to motivate the players to get the best out of them. That takes the pressure off me as a coach knowing the players will perform to the best of their ability.
"The derby is a special occasion. Walking out to 95000 fans is an experience not many coaches get to experience, and I enjoy every moment of it."
Komphela, meanwhile, said they have to adapt to the format of the competition as supporters - who voted for the starting XI - are showing the club what they like. "We have to take our cue from there.
"You can't pass on responsibility. The fact that you have been given a unique opportunity to be a coach of this club means that any result coming will be pointing at you even though one accepts the fact that it is in the control of the people.
"We have played this competition four times and have lost it thrice and won once. And that is a reflection on us, not how supporters wanted to see things."
Fans will be hoping for an entertaining clash than the dreary encounters they've seen between the sides in recent seasons.
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