Supporters earnestly prepare for this weekend’s soccer action

Football derbies tend to bring everyday life across the globe to a halt, and the match between the Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates will be no different. South Africa will come to a standstill on Saturday when Stuart Baxter and Vladimir Vermezovic lead their teams onto the field at FNB Stadium.

This is 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 might think that brothers are enemies, but the rivalry will only last for the duration of the game as there will be endless parties afterwards, regardless of who the winners are.

There is not much time left before this battle takes place, and people have been talking about it everywhere; at car washes, supermarkets, bus stops, street corners and shebeens. Another factor that adds to the non-stop excitement is the Buccaneers’ recruitment of their arch-rival’s ex-coach, Vermezovic and striker, Lehlohonolo Majoro. However, the matchup has two sides which are both experiencing contrasting fortunes.

Amakhosi are the runaway PSL leaders and have been successful 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 to their chances of adequately replacing 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 at Shoprite/Checkers stores and Computicket outlets nationwide. Prices range from R50 to R100.

Chiefs supporters who also want to watch the game can contact Maras Nkosi on 072-438-4595, and Pirates fans can contact Maloli Moscow on 082-690-0488.