Magic time in Soweto

THERE is still something very special about the Soweto derby, and you can be sure that the hearts of Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates fans will again be in their throats tomorrow.

The midweek results would seem to suggest that the advantage is with hosts Chiefs. Amakhosi beat Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 at Loftus Versfeld on Tuesday, while Pirates could only draw 1-1 with bottom-placed Platinum Stars.

The discerning football fan will, however, know that when it comes to the country’s biggest match, current form or even history counts for nothing. And so it will be that whoever turns on the magic on Saturday will be victorious.

Coming as it does so early in the season, the Soweto derby is unlikely to have too big a bearing on the championship aspirations of the local giants, who have had a very bad run in recent seasons.

But that does not mean the stakes won’t be high. Far from it, for when these two teams meet – even in a friendly – there is all to play for.

Initially, this match was meant to prove decisive for Steve Komphela’s future as Chiefs coach.

But with Komphela having somewhat eased the pressure on himself with that surprise win at Sundowns, it is actually his adversary, Milutin Sredejovic, who might be under the kosh.

The Serb’s return for a second spell with the Buccaneers was amid much fanfare and excitement that he was the right man to bring back the glory days. Victory against the arch-enemy will go a long way towards raising hopes of a season better than the miserable one that ended in May.

The coaches’ plight aside, the Soweto derby is always the perfect platform for players to raise their profile and both teams have plenty of newbies who will be looking to shine.

Will Amakhosi’s teenage defender, Siyabonga Nzengana, take off from where he left off against Sundowns or will it be the Bucs’ new defender, Innocent Maela, the fans will be talking about after the 90 minutes?

Whoever shines, let’s hope for some fast and attractive football from two of our glamour teams.