by Dzudzie Faith Netshisaulu
It is two more sleeps and then South Africa will be divided into two as the country’s most loved football clubs, Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs tussle it out in yet another Soweto Derby. The iconic FNB Stadium will once again play hosts as Pirates and Chiefs fight for maximum points and of course the bragging rights.
Tickets for this all important match were sold out two weeks ago, football loving fans from all over the country will fill up the 94 000 capacity stadium, while millions are expected to watch the action on screen.
This weekend, the iconic rivalry between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates ignites once again, bringing with it the rich history and fierce competition that fans have come to love. This is the 107th league match between the two giants.
The roots of this fierce rivalry trace back to 1970, the year the two Soweto giants first clashed, and the two sides will both want to add a page onto their respective club’s history books.
Having gone through a bumpy patch in recent games, Amakhosi go into this match as the “under dogs”, they are 5th in the Betway Premiership League Log, while hosts, Pirates have enjoyed some favourable results both in domestic and international football.
A win for Amakhosi or a point at most would be critical as they look to climb the league table and solidify their position among South Africa’s elite. Orlando Pirates, meanwhile, will aim to inch closer to the coveted top spot, making this Derby a high-stakes affair for both sides.
Full points for the Buccaneers will shorten the gap between them and log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who currently are currently 6 points in the lead with 33 points and Bucs with 27 points.
Meanwhile, the Stadium Management South Africa and Carling Black Label, have announced the Pre-Game early arrival beer garden designed to encourage fans to arrive early ahead of the highly anticipated match.
The beer garden will be located opposite Gate M at FNB Stadium, and it will boast a celebration of football, music, and togetherness, offering a fun and festive atmosphere for all match-goers. Gates open at 11h30, exclusively to ticket holders for the game.
Supporters who do not have tickets are encouraged to watch the match from home with friends on SuperSport PSL Channel 202 on DStv and SABC 1. Buildup will be from around 2pm, with kick-off set for 15:30.