Orlando Pirates winger Dikgang Mabalane admits it hurts to watch his former team Jomo Cosmos battling against relegation.

'Ezenkosi' look set for a quick return to the National First Division after one season back in the top flight as they are bottom of the log with two games remaining.

The 'Terminator', who played 152 matches for the team between 2000 and 2008 in two separate stints, admits that watching his former team struggle is "bad enough".

"It is unfortunate, it hurts me a lot to see Cosmos struggle and it is inevitable that they are gone, which is sad and bad enough for them and some of us as their ex-players," he told Football365.co.za.

"I don't want to see them down there in the First Division again, but it looks like it will happen. But at least they still have a chance to go to number 15 so they can go to the play-offs and I hope this happens, because this is a team close to my heart."

Turning his attention to Saturday's Soweto derby, Mabalane reveals the clash will hit close to home.

"I grew up in Soweto in a family supporting Kaizer Chiefs and obviously I was on their side but now I'm a Pirate. It is a big fight at home, because this is one game that divides people. But since I work for Pirates I have no choice but to deliver on the day and see my team win," he said.

However, the winger is baffled by 'Bucs' form this season, after going nine games without a loss - only to falter again.

"I don't have any excuses for our poor season. Sometimes football is just like this and there is not much you can do about it," he added.

"I mean, we finished second last season and people were expecting us to take the league this time around, but it didn't happen and I don't want to offer any excuses.

"It concerns me that Pirates haven't won silverware in a long time and the other players feel the same as well, but like I said, I will rather not discuss it.

"We had everything; the right coach and the right players, but it didn't happen, football can be cruel sometimes."

'Terminator', though, is looking to the derby to make amends. "It is a big game and it's got history behind it. It is about the three points at stake," he concluded.