Hearts-Kotoko clashes are as hot as Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs matches - Awal

Published on: 23 September 2014
Hearts-Kotoko clashes are as hot as Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs matches - Awal
Awal Mohammed says Kaizer Chiefs and Pirates are just like Hearts and Kotoko

South Africa-based defender Mohammed Awal says the PSL top-flight between giants Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs reminds him of the intensity between Accra Hearts of Oak and Kumasi Asante Kotoko, the two biggest teams in Ghana.

Awal, who plays for Maritzburg United, played for Kotoko in Ghana before joining the South African side but has not had the chance of playing in the biggest match in the PSL.

That is because that rivalry is reserved for Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs as the clashes between the two sides is termed as the El-Classico of South Africa.

Kaizer Chiefs defeated Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 final Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium over the weekend and Awal says the match reminded him of the clashes between Hearts and Kotoko.

“It’s the same rivalry down here”, Awal recollects.

“When there is a match between both clubs, all the other fixtures do not matter and that is the same with Hearts and Kotoko.

"The media coverage centres mainly on that match and it’s a great feeling if you happened to be a player of one of these Clubs.”

“I had the opportunity of enjoying such privilege when I was with Kotoko and it was a good feeling.”

Despite not playing in the big matches in South Africa, Awal says his Maritzburg side are capable of fighting to gain a place in the CAF Champions League next season.

“We are not doing badly if you ask me, because we are placed 6th on the league table after six matches. We have 24 matches more to play to see how we perform at the end of the season, so for me it’s a steady progress.”

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