Johannesburg – Fans of Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs are still enchanted by the Soweto Derby, despite the fact that it will be its 176th installment.
Despite the United States government’s warning that terrorists may be plotting an assault in the Sandton region on Saturday, this has occurred. Stadium Management South Africa (SMSA), the FNB Stadium’s management business, will implement additional security measures.
On Saturday, 93,000 fans are anticipated at the FNB Stadium, and “likely sold out” signs could be up well before the 3:30 p.m. kickoff. The August 2015 Soweto Derby set the record for attendance at the ‘Calabash’ with 94,808 attendees.
This match will be one of a kind, since it will be the first Soweto Derby in three seasons with no limitations on fan attendance. Throughout the lockdown, there were six Soweto Derbys. Some were played behind closed doors, while others had attendance restrictions.
According to Kaizer Chiefs coach Arthur Zwane, the nation has been gripped by Soweto Derby fever for around two weeks. As a player (for Chiefs and Pirates) and coach, Zwane is fully aware that the Soweto Derby divides the nation and families.
FNB Stadium is the home of the Chiefs, although the Pirates will be the home team on Saturday. Their base at Orlando Stadium is insufficient to host the Soweto Derby, one of the finest fixtures in Africa.
A team of pirates who are riding the crest of the wave will arrive. Last week, Pirates blanked Mamelodi Sundowns by a score of 3-0. Mamelodi Sundowns are the defending PSL champions.
The combination of veteran attacker Kermit Erasmus and midfielder Monnapule Saleng dominated Sundowns, who had no answer. On Saturday, José Riveiro, the Spanish head coach of the Pirates, will unleash this strike force against the Chiefs, and the outcome might be similarly devastating.
Behind Erasmus and Saleng, the Pirates have another dangerous player in midfielder Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo, who might keep the Chiefs’ defense occupied for the entire afternoon.
Chiefs left defender Sifiso Hlanti will be responsible for dealing with the threat in the right channels, where the Pirates have proven to be notably penetrative.
Chiefs Keagan Dolly holds the record for having participated in two Soweto derbies and winning both times. He will need to be imaginative and will attempt to penetrate the Pirates’ defense.
@Herman Gibbs