South Africa’s most iconic football rivalry, the Soweto derby between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, is set to kick-off on Saturday afternoon in a fanless stadium.
The new normal is in line with South Africa’s adjusted COVID-19 level 3 lockdown regulations, which prohibits public gatherings.
The two giants have clashed heads this season already in the MTN8 semi-finals with Pirates getting the better of Kaizer Chiefs following a 3-0 victory in the first leg at the Orlando Stadium and a 2-0 victory in the reverse fixture at the FNB Stadium.
Chiefs fans will feel they need the victory, not only for bragging rights against their arch rivals but simply to keep the winning momentum they have acquired in the DSTV Premiership so far after not having a good start in the campaign.
At the same time, this is a fixture Orlando Pirates does not want to lose regardless of log standings or current form.
Match Day #SowetoDerby #Amakhosi4Life
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— Mmagwe Oreratile❣ (@Thabiso_Queen) January 30, 2021
Even though spectators can’t fill up the stadium as per tradition, they are eagerly awaiting kick-off time.
Some fans have even started predicting scores on social media.
Good Morning to all beautiful and handsome soccer loving people out there. You guys are amazingly awesome❤️?. We have a small matter today of ensuring that the country is fixed,as Orlando Pirates family we shall mop the floor with Chiefs. Phakama Lorch ixesha☺️#sowetoderby pic.twitter.com/r9BDxpcS7O
— Mahlatse ❤️ Ratau?? (@BanaMalome) January 30, 2021
Who is going to win the #SowetoDerby match today?
RT 4 Kaizer Chiefs
Like 4 Orlando Pirates
Comment with your score prediction.#OnceAlways #Amakhosi4Life #DStvPrem #SowetoDerby pic.twitter.com/lEMYfzN3pp
— Chief Erican (@EricanSA) January 30, 2021
Good morning ☠️☠️☠️#OnceAlways#UpTheBucs#MatchDay#OrlandoPirates#SowetoDerby pic.twitter.com/iKHY22M6KL
— Kiddrica ? (@Nomsa_mthethwa7) January 30, 2021
Good morning Makhosi Amahle ifikile imini ibikade ithethwa. Good luck to Phefeni boys. Kaizer Chiefs day
HIT THEM HARD! #AMAKHOSI4LIFE #SowetoDerby
❤✌✌✌✌✌✌????? pic.twitter.com/AG19ZyLgx6— Brown skin girl (@Abo11622959) January 30, 2021
Heavenly Father, I thank you for another day. I ask you to please give us @orlandopirates strength to endure and the power to overcome in peace today. Amen #UpTheBucs ☠️ #SowetoDerby pic.twitter.com/IKSl20BbL1
— Buccaneer ☠️??? (@Mkhathini_03) January 30, 2021