Kaizer Chiefs head coach Arthur Zwane has addressed the "perception" that his players have a mindset problem of always losing a game before the Soweto derby against Orlando Pirates.
Chiefs' CAF Champions League chances were further dented after a 2-1 loss to Swallows on Monday, following a trend of losing matches before the big derby against Pirates.
There are suggestions that Amakhosi players seem to reserve their best against the Buccaneers after winning the past five matches against the Sea Robbers in the league.
Read: Chiefs Players Take Blame Off Zwane's Shoulders
However, Zwane says it's a "perception" that Chiefs players would not give their best in the game before the derby.
"For us to lose to Swallows was a set-back but we have learned from it and we move on. We have moved on from it and now we're thinking about Orlando Pirates," Zwane said in a Nedbank Cup press conference ahead of the semi-final meeting against Pirates.
"I hear a lot of people saying players' mindsets, we usually lose the game before the big game against Orlando Pirates. I think yes in terms of stats that is there for everyone to see.
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"But for me those are more like perceptions. Why am I saying that? Because I don't think there's a professional player that is part and parcel of Kaizer Chiefs that wants to lose the game before the big one," he said.
The former Chiefs winger went on and said actually games before the derby should be played to boost the confidence and conceded that they are coming to the game as underdogs.
"I think that should be a game that boosts your confidence, that helps you to be ready mentally and physically for a game of Pirates' multitude, as you know everyone is looking forward to this game," he continued.
"And for the fact that for a very long time Chiefs and Pirates they've never been in the semi-finals, so yes we're coming to this game as underdogs because Pirates have been doing very well and we've been blowing hot and cold," he added.
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