Petersen targets crucial derby points as Chiefs look to bridge the gap

The two South African giants meet at a sold-out FNB Stadium, in a clash of titans that sold out all the tickets in just six hours. 

Playing against a Pirates team eight points above them, Petersen knows they can’t let that gap reach double figures so early on into the new season...

"Every point matters and seeing that we are playing against a team who are ahead of us, you want to make sure that you come out of the game with all three points. We know that our main concern has been scoring goals, but hopefully our last game serves as a turning point for us."

READ: At ease and enjoying the moment, Da Cruz relishes first Soweto Derby experience

The return of Chiefs’ left-footed center-back Rushwin Dortley was also well received during the midweek match, and his impact was felt not only at the back but also offensively, as was the case in the last goal of Wandile Duba’s hat-trick. 

Dortley’s ability to launch offensive moves from the back completes the balance he brings to the AmaKhosi defense. It was his first game in more than 18 months, after recovering from two knee surgeries, and Petersen is very happy to have him back....

"It's really good to have him back because being on the sidelines for so long is never easy and I speak from experience. He brings in added value to the team and it's up to us to ensure that our combinations are perfect Saturday afternoon."

In one of last season's Soweto Derbies, a fight broke out between the two camps and even delayed the game’s kick-off; it proved that the fierce spirit of South Africa’s premier football fixture is still very much alive. 

Petersen says it’s important that the players understand the magnitude of this game, especially the new players.