All roads lead to FNB stadium for Soweto derby

All roads lead to the majestic FNB stadium on Saturday for the first Soweto derby of the 2018-2019 ABSA Premiership season. Orlando Pirates will clash with Kaizer Chiefs on Saturdy afternoon for the first bragging rights of the current campaign.

A lot has been said by both sets of players and coaches throughout the week. The supporters are also throwing their weight behind their teams.

The last time the two Soweto giants met was in a league match back in March.

Orlando Pirates ran amok and won that match 3-1. However that counts for nothing. Previous results and form are always thrown out the window before each and every derby; and this one is no exception.

After all is said and done, it is up to the players to showcase what they are made of on the day.

Some supporters are not happy, though, with the current crop of players. “Right now I can’t say who is the star player at Chiefs, who is the star at Pirates. Before we used to have star players who would carry the team from the onset. Even the crowd would cheer for him. Today, most of the derbies go nil-nil,” says one of the supporters.

Another support says; “They’ve changed the players, because the players from before and now. Today’s players are playing for the money; they are not playing for the love of the game”

The nation is always divided when the two clubs meet. Some swear by the bones and skull, while others go for the Love and Peace sign. “We wish Chiefs all the best in the upcoming match. They should not disappoint.”

Even though the two clubs are not consistent enough in terms of performance and results, tickets for the match were sold out over a week ago.  Somehow that came as no surprise as this fixture is the most anticipated one on the PSL calendar. Supporters from all corners of the country and even those from beyond the borders, always grace the event.

With the players the two sides acquired before the beginning of the season, the fans expect nothing but goals in Saturday afternoon’s match. “Pirates will be all over them as usual. Chiefs fans also know that. The score is going to be 3-1 to Pirates,” says a Pirates fan.

One of the Chiefs supporters says; “Chiefs have been winning ever since the derby commenced. They are also leading in terms of cups. It’s going to be 1-0.”

The Pirates-Chiefs match will kick off at half-past three on Saturday afternoon.

SowetoDerby | Bitter rivals Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs will face each other in an ABSA Premiership fixture on Saturday at the FNB Stadium. Who do you think will win the Soweto derby?#ABSAPrem #OrlandoPirates #KaizerChiefs

— SABC News Online (@SABCNewsOnline) October 26, 2018