Kaizer Chiefs forward Bernard Parker has revealed one of his best Soweto Derby experiences and what a win over Orlando Pirates would mean for his side.
The 35-year-old will feature in his 30th Soweto Derby, if being selected by coach Stuart Baxter on Saturday, as Chiefs could collect their second win of the campaign against their bitter rivals.
Amakhosi won the reverse fixture 2-1 thanks to a late penalty by Keagan Dolly, but Parker recalls last season’s 1-0 win as one of his most memorable derby experiences.
“One of the best derbies I featured in was captaining the team in the 100th league derby last season, which we won.
“While I would describe these games as always being a nerve-wracking encounter, I never want to lose against Pirates.”
Parker, who missed Chiefs’ 1-0 victor over Baroka, will return to the squad on Saturday and says a win would be an important step to qualifying for next year’s CAF Champions League.
“Yes I am happy to be back and always ready to play in these types of games.
“We live for these games – you want to be involved in this game because it is one of the biggest Derbies on the continent. It is always an honour to play in this match.
“I feel good and refreshed and can’t wait to be on the field again, given the chance.
“It’s very, very crucial for us to win. I had a conversation with Daniel Cardoso, we believe winning will set the tone and be a massive confidence booster for us to gain momentum.
“Winning will lift everything in us for us to get into the CAF Champions League.”
Chiefs currently sit on 32 points in third place one the log, one point above the Buccaneers who have played two games more.
