Pirates, Chiefs upbeat ahead of tonight's derby

The winner in tonight's game will face Manchester United in the final on Saturday

South Africa's traditional football rivals Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs are both confident going into tonight’s clash of the Vodacom Challenge in Port Elizabeth. The winner in tonight's game will face European champions Manchester United in the final of the annual tournament on Saturday.

On Tuesday night Pirates rested almost their entire starting 11 in their slender 1-0 loss to United, saving them for tomorrow's match. The visitors completely dominated the first half, but Pirates perked up in the second half as they went in search of an equaliser. Pirates coach Rudi Krol conceded that his players did well but were a bit nervous in the first half.

William Okpara, Pirates goalkeeper coach, said: "We are using this opportunity to showcase new players we have found for the new season." Okpara said derbies are always difficult but they will give it their best shot tonight.

Whole new ball game
Meanwhile, Kaizer Chiefs coach Muhsin Ertugral says he wants to keep momentum going for his team. "I watched the game between Pirates and United. When we play Pirates they will field a totally new side and it will be a whole new ball game. I will not make a lot of changes as I want to keep the momentum from last Saturday going. While I want to give as many players a chance I feel that chopping and changing is not the answer. I want to beat Pirates and get a second chance to beat United.”

Manchester United coach Sir Alex Ferguson said Pirates have improved greatly. Tickets for the match are already sold out.