Transport for footballers to Soweto Derby at FNB stadium

The Greater Tembisa Orlando Pirates supporters’ branch has organised transport for all fans who want to go to the Soweto Derby on March 3.

The soccer rivalry between Premier Soccer League’s Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates is considered to be one of the most fiercely contested matches in African football in the 48 years of its existence.

The matches between the two rivals attract a large fan base and this weekend all roads are heading to the FNB stadium.

The Greater Tembisa Orlando Pirates supporters are no exception – they will definitely take the trip to Soccer City.

The chairman of the Greater Tembisa Orlando Pirates supporters, Themba “Thuska” Mahole, said the transport fare will be R100 return. Transport will be departing from Sangweni section at Bra Zabs’ motor spares from 10am and interested supporters can Call Sizwe on 076 811 7916 or Fanie on 078 374 9178.

He said the objective of travelling together as supporters is to avoid unnecessary accidents emanating from drinking and driving. “Supporters can leave their cars behind and travel safely with transport and with sober drivers organised by the branch.

Everyone is welcome to travel with us even if you are not a supporter,” said Mahole. He explained that the Greater Tembisa Orlando Pirates supporters’ branch has been in existence for 46 years.

“The branch was established in 1972 with the sole purpose of supporting Orlando Pirates but we don’t just attend soccer matches, we also do charity work in the community. We attend launches of new branches, weddings and social responsibility events.”

He said other advantages of being part of a branch are being part of support group workshops organised by the branch where members are encouraged to maintain discipline, act responsibly within their families and in the community at large.

“This creates unity among supporters. Together we have donated goods to orphanage homes, we have donated toys and money, visited patients in hospitals and we have also cleaned hospital premises.

This creates opportunities for networking and socialising. We also have a burial policy to support one another and anyone can join us,” Mahole said. the Greater Tembisa Orlando Pirates supporters’ branch is the first supporter branch to be established by supporters and has played a pivotal role in the formation of other branches.