Retired Kaizer Chiefs winger Arthur Zwane has fired a broadside at Orlando Pirates ahead of the Soweto derby on Saturday.

Now part of Vladimir Vermezovic's technical team, the 36-year-old former Bucs midfielder admits he regrets ever donning the black and white jersey.

"I grew up in a family supporting Pirates, but I never wanted to play for Pirates," he told Football365.co.za.

"When you grow up playing in the street, you can see the teams that have the winning mentality and if you remember Kaizer Chiefs were winning each and every trophy on offer so I always wanted to be part of this team, part of a team with a winning culture, you get what I mean.

"I finally got the opportunity to play for Chiefs and I made sure I used it. I thank God," he said.

Zwane was embroiled in a tug-of-war for his services between the two clubs in 2000, when he wanted to make a move from Tembisa Classic to the 'Phefeni Glamour Boys'.

However, it was thought at the time that he belonged to Pirates, who had apparently agreed on a fee for his services with Jomo Cosmos.

Zwane made 12 appearances for 'Bucs' before he was shipped off to AmaZulu, before briefly returning to Cosmos and then to the first division where he turned out for Dynamos and Classic.

The matter was settled when Chiefs agreed that the late Lesley Manyathela could move to Pirates. Manyathela had also apparently committed his future to both clubs.

Zwane further told Football365.co.za that it matters little to him that he announced his retirement six days before the derby.

"I feel it was time for me to hang up my boots," added the winger. The only thing I didn't do right is that I signed a contract for until the end of the season and I'm quitting before the season ends, but the team has given me an opportunity to serve in another department.

"The club has been very supportive of my decision and even when I sat down with the chairman (Kaizer Motaung) he said he felt I could still play for one more season, but I had to be honest and I told him I had had enough," he concluded.

Head coach Vermezovic revealed Zwane will probably watch the derby from the stands. "I don't think he will be allowed on the bench as part of the technical team because he is still registered as a player, so I think he will watch from the stands," said the Serbian.