Former stars anticipate another thrilling Soweto derby showdown

Picture credit: Orlando Pirates/Instagram

As anticipation builds for the much-anticipated clash between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs at the iconic FNB Stadium this Saturday, two legends of South African football, Mark Fish and Shaun Bartlett, are expressing their excitement for what promises to be a thrilling Soweto derby.

With decades of rich history behind these fierce rivals, the weekend’s encounter is poised to capture the passions of football fans across the nation.

Mark Fish, a former Pirates defender and a notable figure in the Bafana Bafana lineage, shared his insights via Showmax on the significance of this fixture in South African football.

“No matter how the teams are performing, the derby always remains a massive game. One team may be performing better than the other, or both teams may not be performing well, but the Derby is the Derby,” he said.

He emphasised on the emotional investment fans have in this storied rivalry underscores the importance of the clash beyond mere statistics and rankings.

“When Chiefs play Pirates and Pirates play Chiefs, the fans are going to brag to their friends and family the next day about who the winners of the derby were. The Derby was always massive and still is,” Fish said.

Shaun Bartlett, a seasoned striker who donned the colours of Kaizer Chiefs, echoed these sentiments.

“The Soweto Derby, without a doubt, is one of the biggest derbies in the world. As far as prestige and attendance are concerned, along with the atmosphere,” Bartlett said.

 “I don’t think the drop-in form from either team will affect the excitement and unpredictability of this massive game,” he told Showmax.

Pirates head into the fixture as favourites, having been a level above Chiefs this season. According to Fish going into a derby as favourites is a “horrible” title to have.

“Pirates are doing everything that is expected of them. When it’s the Derby, it’s the best team on the day that gets the result, gets the lucky break and wins the derby. Form doesn’t mean you will win the derby.”

Bartlett on the other hand is expecting Chiefs to go up a level when they face their Soweto rivals.

“When it comes to form, the Derby has produced some very surprising results in recent years. Based on Chiefs not having won a trophy for more than a decade, this game will always take priority for players, club, and fans alike. Expect fire, skills and individual brilliance,” he explained.

Bartlett added that his former team are up against an extremely tough opponent and will have to be at their best if they are to walk away with bragging rights and all three points.

“Chiefs will have to deal with a Pirates team that is doing well on all fronts and in all departments on the field. Their attacking threats are the biggest issue Chiefs will have to deal with.”

Meanwhile, Fish expects a feisty encounter come Saturday, with both teams ready to attack from kick-off.

“It’s going to be an exciting game because of the form that Pirates are in,” Fish said.

Mark Fish prediction: Orlando Pirates 3-1 Kaizer Chiefs

Shaun Bartlett prediction: Orlando Pirates 2-1 Kaizer Chiefs