It’s derby time again! The fierce rivalry between the traditional giants of South African soccer resumes at a packed Ellis Park on Saturday, when Orlando Pirates take on Kaizer Chiefs in one of the most contested derbies in world soccer.
More than 33 000 of the 55 000 tickets had been sold by Monday in a huge display of interest in this match in and outside South Africa. By Wednesday they were all gone. Amakhosi and Bucs supporters from neighbouring Botswana, Swaziland and Lesotho are expected to add to the numbers at the stadium.
The ticket sales reflect that the pulsating first-leg fixture in November revived confidence in the Soweto derby as the premier South African soccer match.
Pirates emerged 2-0 victors in the first round, while Chiefs gave as much as they took. As a result, suggestions that this showdown has lost its sparkle and passion are now history.
Round two in the Battle of Soweto explodes into life, giving fans a reason to be optimistic for about 90-odd minutes of the exciting brand of soccer that can only be expected when these two clubs clash.
The fact that there will be much more than bragging rights at stake on Saturday has added excitement.
The importance of securing the three points on offer cannot be overemphasised.
A win for either side will keep title ambitions alive, while a loss will virtually put paid to any hopes of overtaking log leaders Super-Sport. Nor is a draw an option for the Soweto arch rivals at this late stage of the championship race. Matsatsantsa have accumulated 54 points and enjoy a healthy six-point lead over second-placed Pirates, while Chiefs are third, with 47 points.
A stalemate would only give Gavin Hunt and his charges a timely boost, without them having to kick a ball, ahead of their remaining two matches.
Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Neil Tovey believes fortune will favour Hunt on Saturday afternoon.
”I believe the result will be a draw. Chiefs were drained by the win against Sundowns, while Pirates are emotionally deflated from their failure to beat SuperSport,” he told the Mail & Guardian.
He predicted, however, that the match itself would ”live up to its billing in terms of its entertainment value”.
”The form book counts for very little in the Soweto derby as players are driven by pride to play above their usual best,” said Tovey.
It is certainly the prediction that neither Amakhosi coach Muhsin Ertugral or the Buccaneers’ boss Ruud Krol wants to hear.
If Tovey’s words prove true, the only consolation for the two biggest clubs in the country will be the chance to finish second.
The Happy People will have endured another barren season, while the likelihood of Ertugral being off-loaded will increase tenfold.
Just how much Ertugral wants to keep his job at the most supported club was laid bare when he shed tears after the 1-0 victory over Sundowns last week. ”I have never seen Mush [Ertugral] that emotional,” said Bafana assistant coach Pitso Mosimane.
”Mush wants this game very badly and so do Pirates, which augurs well for a good match for us neutrals to enjoy,” he said.
The former SuperSport coach said the mathematical chance of either of the two teams winning the league should enhance the passion of the derby.
”SuperSport are in a strong position but the log table will tell you that it is still game on for the top three teams.”
Nigerian ”hit man” Zito Ogbonna returns to the Amakhosi line-up to add more bite to their attack after a lengthy injury lay off. David Mathebula will pull the strings in the midfield with Simphiwe Tshabalala, Tinashe Nengomasha and Abia Nale.
The Sea Robbers will look to their talismans Teko Modise, Dikgang Mabalane and the impressive Lucas Twala in this battle for the precious three points, a slot in the Champions League and, of course, the bragging rights of Soweto.