Andre Ayew | We miss the fans, but the passion to win for our community remains

There may be no fans at Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday, but Andre Ayew has vowed there will be no shortage of passion from Swansea City in the South Wales derby.

The Swans make the short journey down the M4 to take on their rivals in the 110th meeting in the 108-ear history of the fixture.

Ayew got his first experience of the derby last term, playing his part as Swansea took the spoils at the Liberty before a goalless draw in the reverse fixture.

Unfortunately, fans will not be able to attend this edition of the local rivalry, and it will make for a surreal atmosphere at a game where the fervent passion of supporters is so often a stand-out feature.

But that will not mean there is any less of an edge on the pitch.

“We all know what the game means to the fans, to our community. We know it is not a game like any other game, it is a big one,” said vice-captain Ayew.

“But it is still three points to play for, so you have to make sure you don’t get carried away, focus on playing the way we want to play and as well as we can.

“If we do that we can make the fans proud.

“The passion is always there, these are the best games when you have a full stadium. It’s not the case this time, but we know the fans will be watching the game and we want to make them and the city proud.

“Let’s not hide from it, it’s a big game. Form does not count, who is playing well or not does not count, it’s just a game you need to win for pride, for the club and the people.

“When we won last year, it was special, you can sense that you have made people happy and they had enjoyed it. It was one of the best atmospheres I have played in.

“Covid has changed a lot of things in our lives, but it will not change how our fans will feel if we can win for them.”