Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef says this is not the same team that lost 3-0 earlier in the season after a strong run of form ahead of this weekend’s Soweto derby.

“In the first derby we were in a bad moment, coming from many games where we weren’t doing well. Now it is very different.”

While acknowledging Pirates’ consistency, he believes the outcome will come down to execution and mentality.

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“It is not for me to talk about Orlando Pirates. From the start of the season they have shown very good performances,” he said.

“But on the day, the team that makes fewer mistakes, is ready for the challenge and shows more desire will win the game.”

Chiefs’ improvement has been driven by consistency after an injury-hit spell.

“We had a lot of injuries and when you make many changes you lose consistency,” he said.

“Now in the last five or six games, you see the same team. When consistency is there, the performance and the results follow.”

He added that earlier displays had not always been reflected in results.

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“There were games where the performance was there, but we did not score. In the last few games the performance and the results are better. We are in a very good moment.”

With a full squad available, Ben Youssef said the energy in the group has increased.

“All the players are fit and ready. They are showing in training that they want to play this game,” he said.

“With the mentality we have shown in the last weeks, we will be ready to perform and to win this game.”

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He also highlighted the role of supporters ahead of the derby.

“We don’t have fans, we have family. They have been behind us every game,” he said.

“It is our moment to give them back some joy. We want them to enjoy the performance and the result.”

Photo: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images