A POTENTIAL meeting in the final of the MTN8 this year has raised the possibility of another clash between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates and begs the question whether we are headed for Soweto derby fatigue.
It is difficult to see either Chiefs or Pirates giving up their 2-0 first-leg advantages against Platinum Stars and BidVest Wits respectively in the second legs of their semifinals this weekend. That will mean a 32nd meeting in a domestic cup finals between the Soweto giants since 1970 - and a 153rd overall.
That does not include meetings in pre-season competitions, such as the now defunct Charity Spectacular, Vodacom Challenge or more recently the Carling Black Label Cup.
The Carling Black Label Cup last month was a sellout at FNB Stadium, as would the final of the MTN8 be if either of these two contest it, such is the pulling power of both.
No matter how many times it is played, it is the game in the season that matters most to fans, it seems, even though it may be high on energy, but seldom entertaining.
Neither side has scored more than a single goal in the last seven derby matches and a draw still remains the most likely result. Of those seven matches, five have ended all square with a win each for the two sides. But somehow this tepid viewing continues to evoke passion in fans.
"We don't sleep the night before the derby. We stay up all night, discussing what is going to happen in the game and what the result is going to be. The tension is already big the day before and nerves keep you on edge," said Chiefs fan Itumeleng Mashele.
"We also like to talk about what we are going to do at the stadium, what we are going to sing, maybe come up with some insults for the Pirates fans - all meant in good humour though."
Orlando Pirates fan Gideon Mocamo agrees there is no feeling of fatigue for him.
"The build-up to the game starts weeks before. Everybody is talking about it, the bets have been laid, the talking is done between the fans, so when match day comes, the excitement has reached a new level," he said.
"I get up in the morning and say my prayers and begin to prepare for the game. Everything I wear is Orlando Pirates, my suit, makarapa, flag, shoes, everything. I dress myself from head to toe as a Buccaneer."
These are but two opinions among millions who support the Soweto pair, but the same theme is there with many - the derby means everything.
Should the pair square off in the final of the MTN8 it would raise the possibility of five competitive Soweto derby matches this season to go with the Carling Black Label Cup, if they met in each of the domestic cup competitions as well.
Another derby looms
A POTENTIAL meeting in the final of the MTN8 this year has raised the possibility of another clash between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates and begs the question whether we are headed for Soweto derby fatigue.
It is difficult to see either Chiefs or Pirates giving up their 2-0 first-leg advantages against Platinum Stars and BidVest Wits respectively in the second legs of their semifinals this weekend. That will mean a 32nd meeting in a domestic cup finals between the Soweto giants since 1970 - and a 153rd overall.
That does not include meetings in pre-season competitions, such as the now defunct Charity Spectacular, Vodacom Challenge or more recently the Carling Black Label Cup.
The Carling Black Label Cup last month was a sellout at FNB Stadium, as would the final of the MTN8 be if either of these two contest it, such is the pulling power of both.
No matter how many times it is played, it is the game in the season that matters most to fans, it seems, even though it may be high on energy, but seldom entertaining.
Neither side has scored more than a single goal in the last seven derby matches and a draw still remains the most likely result. Of those seven matches, five have ended all square with a win each for the two sides. But somehow this tepid viewing continues to evoke passion in fans.
"We don't sleep the night before the derby. We stay up all night, discussing what is going to happen in the game and what the result is going to be. The tension is already big the day before and nerves keep you on edge," said Chiefs fan Itumeleng Mashele.
"We also like to talk about what we are going to do at the stadium, what we are going to sing, maybe come up with some insults for the Pirates fans - all meant in good humour though."
Orlando Pirates fan Gideon Mocamo agrees there is no feeling of fatigue for him.
"The build-up to the game starts weeks before. Everybody is talking about it, the bets have been laid, the talking is done between the fans, so when match day comes, the excitement has reached a new level," he said.
"I get up in the morning and say my prayers and begin to prepare for the game. Everything I wear is Orlando Pirates, my suit, makarapa, flag, shoes, everything. I dress myself from head to toe as a Buccaneer."
These are but two opinions among millions who support the Soweto pair, but the same theme is there with many - the derby means everything.
Should the pair square off in the final of the MTN8 it would raise the possibility of five competitive Soweto derby matches this season to go with the Carling Black Label Cup, if they met in each of the domestic cup competitions as well.
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