Orlando Pirates coach admits stats and form are meaningless ahead facing Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto Derby - 'You must remember it’s a derby and form, records don’t work'

Orlando Pirates have emerged as a serious contender for the Premier Soccer League title this season.

That is in stark contrast to Kaizer Chiefs who have been struggling to challenge for the league crown.

But Pirates assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi says there is not much difference between them and their Soweto rivals.

“The margins between the two teams are very narrow, defensively we’re almost similar, chance creation we are similar, but the only difference is on goals conceded,” said Ncikazi.

“They have conceded more but every other stat is equal if I were to use stat. So, the margins between the two teams are not as big except for log positions and the goals conceded.

“So, we’ll try and focus on what we think we’re doing better than them where we have conceded less but again you must remember it’s a derby," he added.

"Form, records don’t work. It’s what happens on the day and we’ll try to focus on our performances so that we can get a result.”

While Ncikazi is saying there is not much that separates Chiefs and Pirates, the situation on the ground does not suggest so.

The Buccaneers are second on the table with six points more than Amakhosi who have played three games more than them.

That gives Pirates an edge in this PSL title race and also considering they are a side trying to balance domestic responsibilities with the Caf Champions League.

The Buccaneers will be hoping to have all their best-performing players for the Soweto Derby.

Of late, Monnpule Saleng has not been playing and it is to be seen if he will feature on Saturday.