Market Soweto derby across Africa, please

The PSL is considered the richest league in Africa yet it does not show

Another instalment of the Soweto derby will play out on Saturday as Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates resume their rivalry for bragging rights.

Soccer authorities announced during the week that tickets were sold out, underlining the passion fans of the two teams still have for this luminary clash.

The overwhelming interest might have something to do with it being the first derby to allow fans into the stadium since the Covid-19 restrictions imposed in 2020.

The teams’ standings on the log do not make for an interesting reading, with Pirates occupying fourth spot while their rivals are a rung below.

Chiefs are stuttering going to this clash, not having won in their last three games, including a loss against Chippa United.

As such they will enter the derby as underdogs, with the axe already hovering above coach Arthur Zwane’s head, especially if his team does not get a positive result on Saturday.

However, derbies have never been decided on form as every player raises his game on the day.

While the Soweto derby still commands a huge following in the country, it is not yet on par with other derbies around the world.

The Cairo derby between Zamalek and Al Ahly remains arguably the biggest on the African continent.

Other derbies such as the Manchester one between United and City, as well as the clash between AC Milan and Inter Milan, also transcend border lines.

The El Clasico between Barcelona and Real Madrid is considered the best club match in the world and organisers have upped the ante in its marketing, with several countries activating programmes which add to the excitement.

While the Soweto derby cannot be expected to be on a par with El Clasico, organisers can at least go into overdrive in marketing it, especially on the continent.

The PSL is considered the richest league in Africa yet it does not show on the ground.

With powerful partners such as Supersport, which rules the broadcasting space in Africa, it would not be impossible to sell the Soweto derby.

This would, in turn, make young soccer talent on the continent aspire to play in the PSL instead of going directly to Europe.

It has always been baffling that PSL clubs do not have scouts on the continent despite their financial muscle.

It is time to take PSL out of the confines of the country and parlay it beyond the borders to make it more appealing.

The Soweto derby should serve as a catalyst for that move.