Ramatsiyi Moholoa

Ramatsiyi Moholoa

Southern Africa's biggest soccer derby featuring Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates is going to Mmabatho Stadium in North West on May 10 after all.

It was earlier announced that the match, which usually sets tongues wagging throughout the region, will be played in Durban on the same day.

Chiefs general manager Bobby Motaung said: "It is true that we will be going to Mafikeng for the big one against Pirates."

Chiefs and the department of sports and recreation's top brass in North West have been holding a series of meetings in the past three weeks where a deal was clinched.

It was still unclear at the time of going to press if North West had offered Chiefs as the hosts any incentive, apart from accommodation and discounted ground tax.

The North West government approached Amakhosi to bring the game to Mmabatho to help them build the province as a tourist attraction destination.

This is done in preparation for the 2010 World Cup after North West Premier Edna Molewa made it clear that they were going to target high-profile sports activities.

North West is one of the provinces hosting the 2009 Confederations Cup and the World Cup through the city of Rustenburg. Pirates and Chiefs played to a 2-2 draw in an exciting first round match in Durban on November 23, which was also watched live all over the world.

Excellent Walaza scored a brace for Bucs, while Amakhosi responded through Mabhuti Khenyeza and Arthur Zwane.