Kaizer Chiefs defender Inacio Miguel has rejected the notion that Saturday’s showdown with Mamelodi Sundowns represents a pressure game, insisting that playing in one of South African football’s biggest fixtures is a privilege.
The Angolan centre-back believes pressure should be reserved for circumstances far removed from football and says he will approach the Premiership meeting at FNB Stadium with responsibility rather than fear.
“People talk about the pressure of playing for Chiefs, but there is no pressure,” Miguel said. “Pressure is having to feed your family when you can’t work. Playing for Chiefs in such a big game is not pressure, it is a privilege.”
Chiefs have made an encouraging start under Fernando da Cruz, winning their opening two league matches. They defeated Sekhukhune United 2-0 on Wednesday, while Sundowns needed a late comeback to beat TS Galaxy 3-2 in their opening fixture.
READ: Kaizer Chiefs coach urges patience as Amakhosi continue building identity
Sundowns arrive as African champions and will be favourites, particularly given Chiefs’ difficult recent record against the Brazilians. Amakhosi have failed to beat Sundowns in their past 10 league meetings, although both matches last season ended in draws.
Miguel, however, insists Chiefs will not be intimidated.
“We respect the fact that Sundowns won the Champions League, but we are Chiefs and we must fight for our goals,” he said. “We fear no one. We will face them with the same ambition of fighting and going for every duel.”
The defender also acknowledged the frustration among Chiefs supporters after their sluggish first half against Sekhukhune, before Luke Baartman and Mduduzi Shabalala secured victory.
Miguel understands the demand for attacking football but says patience is sometimes essential.
“The supporters want things to happen quickly, but we have orders to follow,” he said. “Against Sundowns, if we try to rush, maybe Sundowns will also get in and score.”