Black Leopards’ supporters are a special lot and I can only compare them to those of Bloemfontein Celtic in terms of rallying behind the team. They do so even when it may not be fashionable to do so, especially when the chips are down. Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns have the numbers but when their teams are not at their best, fans stay away and opt to watch the matches on television or follow the action on radio or social media platforms. Leopards fans however rally behind their team, regardless and this brings me to the issue of Limpopo derbies.
As far as Limpopo derbies are concerned, Leopards’ faithful are guaranteed to pack the Thohoyandou Stadium to capacity whether they play Baroka or Polokwane City. Their passion for football is consummate and it remains somewhat of a paradox as to why. This past weekend we witnessed one such derby between Baroka and City at the Peter Mokaba Stadium and the attendance figures were pitiful for a Saturday afternoon of professional football (though I have heard whispers about most people having travelled to Kimberley for the ANC’s statement anniversary – which I thought is claptrap).
According to the Peter Mokaba Stadium management, a total number of 5 877 people went through the turnstiles. This is not the first time it happens, especially derbies involving the two teams at the Peter Mokaba Stadium. The media can only do so much to promote such derbies but the biggest challenge lies with the clubs themselves in ensuring that they create the necessary hype to attract fans to the stadium. While football is entertainment, not everyone who goes to the stadium is drawn by their love for either team. Clubs need to employ other strategies where that passion lacks in order to draw fans. After all, the gate takings for the home side go a long way to assist in the running expenses of the club.
Word on the street is that fans are unhappy with the manner in which the bosses of these clubs run their affairs. It is in part no wonder all three Limpopo premiership teams find themselves treading on quick sand. Unless and until Limpopo club bosses value their fans as an integral part of their brands, the Soweto derby will remain the derby that rules the roast of South African football.
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