Kaizer Chiefs' Itumeleng Khune not bothered by Orlando Pirates' mind games

Kaizer Chiefs star Itumeleng Khune has refused to play into Orlando Pirates’ mind games.

The Buccaneers assistant coach Rulani Mokwena recently took shots at Amakhosi and suggesting that the club may be worse off following the departure of Steve Komphela, following three trophyless seasons.

Chiefs brought on board Italian-born mentor Giovanni Solinas ahead of the new season and he will have his first taste of Soweto Derby action.

“To be honest, I didn’t pay too much attention to it,” Solinas was quoted as saying by IOL.

“It would be unfair for me to compare coaches. I’ve worked with so many coaches, and I was able to adjust and do what I was asked to do. I think it’s mind games, and we won’t let it disrupt us!” Khune said.

Meanwhile, Chiefs are currently on a run of six games without a win in the Soweto Derby, and Khune will hope that they can turn their fortunes around.

“It’s not nice that it’s been four years without a win over our rivals. But Saturday is going to be a different ball game, and we have to turn it around and go for a victory,” he added.

“It’s a big one, special one, exciting one. Already since I was in the Bafana camp, people were starting to talk about the Derby, but it was a bit unfair on us as players as we had other games to focus on,” Khune continued.

“But it is the norm in South Africa and we understand that. It’s an exciting game, and everyone wants to go to that match and they can’t wait. Everyone can’t wait for it in the country, across borders – people will be driving and flying in,” he said.

“The supporters will come to rally behind the team, so all we have to do is put a smile on their faces,” he concluded.