Tight security for derby
Tight security for derby

Posted in News on Dec 08, 2003.

The Premier Soccer League and the FNB Stadium management have promised the best ever security for the big Soweto derby between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates on Saturday.

With Chiefs and Pirates currently riding the crest of the wave, the game is expected to be a sell out days before Saturday.

More than 60 000 fans are expected to fill Soccer City on Saturday. Kick-off is at 16:00.

The match will also be televised live on SABC Sport.

Soccer derbies around the world are known to attract a lot of attention from everyone. AC Milan vs Inter Milan in Italy, Manchester United vs Liverpool in England - and in South Africa, it is Kaizer Chiefs vs Orlando Pirates.

The organisers cannot afford to take chances with their planning. The game is of high interest and the security should be of high quality.

The Ellis Park disaster two years ago heightened the need for security during the derby. Thus the organisers have urged soccer fans to purchase their tickets early at Computicket.

Professor Ronnie Schloss, of the PSL, says it is important for people to come to the stadium early. Schloss says that they have a contract with television to start the game on time. He also warned that the match would not be delayed for latecomers.

This is a match between the giants of South African football that attracts the attention of every football follower, irrespective of the team they support.



The rivalry between these two teams dates back to 1969 when Kaizer Motaung resigned from Pirates to form Kaizer Chiefs and since then, his decision has resulted in the entire country divided into two camps.

Although Chiefs have been much more successful in terms of silverware, Pirates have also in recent years been ascending the podium to collect their fair share of trophies, the last being the league championship last year.

Moreover, with Chiefs winning the Coke Cup against Silver Stars last week while the defending league champions were held 1-1 by Ajax at home, the stage is set for pulsating encounter on Saturday.

Pirates talisman Benedict Vilakazi has hinted that he may not be available for the match due to the fact that he getting married, but those who know "Tso" well enough, claim you can bet your bottom dollar that he will be calling the shots from the middle, come rain or sunshine.

Pirates were given a day-off on Monday but resumes training on Tuesday to start preparing for the Saturday clash that is always described as the match of the season.

Hleza Mofedi and Daniel "Sailor" Tshabalala face a fitness test on Tuesday to ascertain whether they would be available for the Saturday bash after missing last week's game due to injuries.

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