Why the Soweto Derby remains SA's premier football event

The Star

02-05-2025

Smiso Msomi | Published 2 hours ago
Outside The Box column
Despite mixed form from both clubs and Mamelodi Sundowns' dominance, the Soweto Derby continues to hold its place as South Africa's most anticipated and culturally significant football event.
Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates will meet this Saturday at FNB Stadium in a Premiership match, before facing off again a week later in the Nedbank Cup final at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Back-to-back derbies are rare, and while both teams find themselves in different positions on the table, the significance of the fixture hasn't changed.
Chiefs come into the weekend sitting in ninth place, out of the running for any league silverware.
Pirates, meanwhile, are still mathematically in the title race, nine points behind Sundowns with two games in hand.
While a league title push is a long shot, they have plenty to play for – especially with the Nedbank Cup final on the horizon.
The Sea Robbers are the two-time defending champions of the Ke Yona trophy, and are looking to clinch a historical third in Durban.
Form aside, the derby continues to attract national attention.
Its appeal is not only based on the potential outcome, but the longstanding rivalry between the two sides and the supporters they represent.
For decades, this match has been a key date in the calendar, regardless of league position or recent performances.
What keeps the derby relevant is more than just football. The history of the fixture, dating back to Chiefs' formation out of Pirates in the 1970s, is deeply rooted in South African football culture.
Over the years, this match has become a shared tradition among fans, and a reminder of the country's rich sporting narrative.
There's also the commercial and economic sides to consider.
From match-day ticket sales to merchandise, local transport, food vendors, and accommodation – many industries benefit when these two sides meet.
It's an important fixture not only for the clubs, but for the broader local economy around major stadiums.
In terms of football quality, both sides have shown flashes of promise, without the consistency that defines champions.
Pirates have been more stable under Jose Riveiro, while Chiefs continue their search for reliable combinations and long-term structure under Nasreddine Nabi.
Still, when the derby comes around, players often raise their level. It's a match that brings added attention from fans, media and even neutrals.
For many, it remains a valuable opportunity to make an impression on a big stage alongside the players who make or break their careers in this match.
While the fixture may no longer be decisive in the title race, it continues to matter in different ways.
For the clubs, it's a chance to measure themselves against their biggest rivals.
For the players, it's a platform.
And for South African football, it remains one of the game's cornerstone events – well worth the attention it continues to attract.
Let's see who will become the new heroes of Chiefs and Pirates respectively.