Kaizer Chiefs’ Angolan defender Inacio Miguel is determined to bounce back from their recent Soweto derby defeat as they prepare to face AmaZulu in the Betway Premiership on Tuesday evening at FNB Stadium. The 1-0 loss to Orlando Pirates was a tough pill to swallow, especially with the defeat coming in stoppage time from a penalty. This defeat marked Chiefs’ sixth league loss of the season, pushing them to search for redemption.
Miguel emphasized the team’s hunger and desire to make amends for their previous performance. “We have to be more hungry than we were in the derby,” he stated. “After a defeat, no one is tired. We want to change the image we left in the last game. It is a game we want to win, and after a loss, we have to search for victory. It is another opportunity to bounce back and stay closer to the top of the league.”
AmaZulu’s coaching staff, led by co-head coach Arthur Zwane, has a strong connection to Chiefs. Zwane, a former Chiefs player, left the club’s coaching structures to join Usuthu. Miguel, in his first season in South Africa, acknowledged Zwane’s legacy and expressed the need to respect his contributions to the club. The defender highlighted the quality of Zwane’s work with Chiefs in the Diski Challenge and stressed the importance of being prepared for the upcoming match.
Reflecting on his first Soweto derby experience, Miguel shared mixed emotions. Despite the excitement of participating in one of Africa’s biggest derbies, the disappointment of the result lingered. “It was an amazing day for me to feel a real derby of Africa. For me, it is the biggest derby on the continent,” Miguel reflected. “Unfortunately, we couldn’t secure a victory. But as my first derby, I was excited and tried to give my best to help the team. At the beginning of the game, I was very happy, and of course, at the end, I was disappointed.”
As Chiefs gear up to face AmaZulu, Miguel’s determination to bounce back and secure a crucial victory will be essential in their quest to climb the league standings. The match against AmaZulu presents an opportunity for redemption and a chance to showcase their resilience in the face of adversity.
