Should Kaizer Chiefs sacrifice the PSL's Soweto derby in favour of Nedbank Cup final against Orlando Pirates? Amakhosi warned 'there's no friendly game'

Kaizer Chiefs beat Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup semi-final to qualify for the last hurdle.

They are now scheduled to play Orlando Pirates in the final that will be played at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on May 10.

Pirates and Chiefs are now set to meet in the back-to-back Soweto derbies inside a week.

The first one will be in the Premier Soccer League at the FNB Stadium on May 3, before playing the Nedbank Cup final seven days later.

All the games are massive for the Glamour Boys; they need maximum points in the league to avoid risking finishing outside the top eight.

But again, the Nedbank Cup triumph means Amakhosi will end their decade-long trophy drought.

Former South Africa international Mandla Masango has advised coach Nasreddine Nabi on how to handle the two vital derbies.

“No, in the derby, there’s no friendly game, they all matter; so, whoever steps on the field on the day of the [league] derby, he needs to give his all, 100%," he said during the SuperSportBet event.

“Supporters don’t have the luxury of saying, ‘No, we can win this one or lose that one’. They always want to be high there.

“They try to encourage players to win at all costs. Sometimes, the results don’t go their way, but both matches are very much important," Masango added.

He has further challenged the technical team and more experienced players to step up.

"This is where the coaches and senior guys come in for the youngsters," Masango said.

"They must say to them that ‘we’re playing two big games back-to-back, we need to be 100% focused.' Such games are won on small margins. You don’t get to have an open game where you’ll see a 5-0 scoreline.

“So, the coaches must help the players to remain focused and to perform on the day," he concluded.

Another important tie will be on Saturday when Chiefs take on Chippa United.

The Soweto giants have not won any of their last four league games, and a loss this weekend will put them outside the top eight.

They have to ensure they beat the Chilli Boys, who are also chasing the MTN8 slot.