Supporters earnestly prepare for this weekend
Football derbies tend to bring every day life across the globe to a halt, and the Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates match will be no different.
South Africa will come to a standstill on Saturday when Stuart Baxter and Vladimir Vermezovic lead their teams onto FNB Stadium’s field.
It’s one of the most fiercely contested derbies in the world. A game in which families, friends and colleagues will be divided into two camps: the black and gold of Amakhosi, and the black and white of the Buccaneers.
Come 15:30, supporters will be screaming, shouting and jumping in the name of fun as they gather in Emjindini.
The match is expected to divide the nation and turn friends into foes.
One will swear that brothers are enemies, but the competition will only last
for the duration of the game as there will be parties aferwards, no matter who the winner is.
There are only a few days before this battle takes place, but
people are already talking about it whenever they meet at car washes,
supermarkets, bus stops, street corners and shebeens.
Another matter that adds to this non-stop excitement is that the Buccaneers’ recruitment of their arch-rival’s ex-coach, Vermezovic and striker Lehlohonolo Majoro.
But the matchup has two sides which are both experiencing contrasting fortunes. Amakhosi are the runaway PSL leaders and are enjoying success in the Caf Champions League as well.
The Buccaneers appear to be a team in transition and it might take
time for the players to adjust to life with Vermezovic. The departure of the
highly influential Andile Jali in the centre of the park, has also raised
questions about whether they can adequately replace their former star.
Yet, Bucs have shown life in recent matches and could be back with a bang for the title race if they can win their games in hand, and take the three points against the Amakhosi on Saturday.
More than 80 000 diehard fans, including those of Emjindini, are expected to make their way to the clash in what should be a very heated contest.
Tickets are on sale now at Shoprite/Checkers stores and Computicket outlets nationwide.
Prices range from R50 to R100.
Chiefs supporters interested to watch this game can contact Maras Nkosi on 072-438-4595 and Pirates supporters can contact Maloli Moscow on 082-690-0488.
