Orlando Pirates legend Eugene Zwane has explained why Sunday’s Betway Premiership Soweto Derby between the Buccaneers and Kaizer Chiefs carries more weight than recent encounters.
The two giants of South African football will lock horns at a sold-out FNB Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00.
Both sides come into the much-awaited Soweto Derby affair in good form. Pirates are unbeaten in their last eight matches, while Amakhosi have put together a formidable six-game unbeaten run of their own.
Currently, the Sea Robbers sit at the summit of the Betway Premiership table with 58 points after 25 outings. The Abdeslam Ouaddou-led side holds a slender one-point lead over defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns, who have a game in hand.
Meanwhile, Chiefs are enjoying a resurgence, occupying the third spot with 46 points from 24 games.
‘THIS SOWETO DERBY HAS THAT ADDED FLAVOUR’: EUGENE ZWANE
Zwane believes the current log positions have reignited the belief within both fanbases, making this particular fixture a high-stakes affair.
“This one is a top-of-the-table Soweto Derby, which has not happened many times in the recent past. So, this one has the added flavour of being a top-of-the-table derby,” Zwane told FARPost.
“I mean, Pirates are number one, and Chiefs now seem to be cementing their place in third position. So, there is a lot at stake. Some Kaizer Chiefs supporters still believe they could push for the league title, and all of these elements, you know.
“Pirates are pushing hard to dethrone Mamelodi Sundowns. There is just so much excitement about this Soweto Derby that we haven’t seen in recent times.”
EUGENE ZWANE DESCRIBE SOWETO DERBY AS A CONTINENTAL SPECTACLE
The football legend further noted that the magnitude of this weekend’s clash has transcended South African borders, capturing the attention of the entire continent.
“I think the whole continent is talking about it [the Soweto Derby]. It’s no longer a South African thing; it is now a continental thing,” he added.
“You see, building up to this derby, Nigerian pundits, Mozambican pundits, and Zimbabwean pundits have so much to say about it. It has become an African spectacle, and everyone is looking forward to it.”
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