Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune says "pride is at stake" as the side prepare to take on bitter rivals Orlando Pirates in the Soweto Derby on Saturday.
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Amakhosi currently lead their Johannesburg neighbours by three points in the PSL standings, with Stuart Baxter's men having thrashed Ajax Cape Town 1-0 on Tuesday, while the Buccaneers were held to a goalless draw against Chippa United 24 hours later.
The pair now lock horns at Soccer City at the weekend, and with some relatively fresh faces in the Glamour Boys set-up, Khune is expecting the more senior players to step up and lead the team to victory.
"I share the responsibility to lead with all other senior players in the team," he told a press conference on Thursday.
"It is our duty to make sure that the younger and those who will be playing for the first time in the game of this magnitude are settled quite early in the game.
"Pride is at stake."
Prior to the midweek victory, Chiefs had suffered their first defeat of the season against Platinum Stars, and 'Spiderkid', as he is affectionately known at Naturena, admits it did well to whip the boys back into shape.
He said: "The game against Platinum Stars was a wake-up call for us and we needed to bounce back against Ajax Cape Town. It was a very important win before the derby and we will be going to Saturday with our heads held high."
Khune also believes Chiefs would be foolish to think Pirates are any less dangerous coming into the clash on the back of a draw, adding: "That Pirates did not win against Chippa has no bearing on the outcome of the game on Saturday."
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