The game between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates was once again one of those Soweto Derby encounters filled with mixed emotions, especially the final result. But the fans were top-notch, as they heeded the call to arrive at the stadium early.
Spectators flooded the FNB gates as early as 11am, and tried to make their way inside the 90 000 capacity calabash. Yes, there may have been some glitches experienced by some fans, who did express their concerns to Sunday World, but eventually, it was all systems go.
Weighing in on the traffic management and the digital ticketing system, just minutes before kick-off, Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department spokesperson Xolani Fihla said, “From the traffic management point of view, we are very proud and impressed with the fans because they heeded the call to arrive early to the stadium.”
There was a bit of a situation on the second ticketing scanning station, which caused a bit of traffic tension between fans and security personnel.
However, sensing some danger, the turnstiles were eventually let loose, this time early, and the spectators were allowed to flow into the stadium – a decision that was probably the best call, as it avoided a possible scuffle from breaking out.
“As far as the digital ticketing system is concerned, I can’t weigh much onto it, but as law enforcement, we have been working very closely with Stadium Management, and we are just happy that the fans came early, and the least that could have been done was ensure that they enter the stadium smoothly to avoid any complications,” Fihla added.
On the pitch, Pirates showed their class and outplayed Chiefs on all fronts, with goals from Tshepang Moremi, Oswin Appollis and Evidence Makgopa.
They may have also possibly exposed how far Amakhosi are from being a league title-contending team.
Feeling the pressure and the heat of the game, Cedric Kaze came out of the tunnel in the second half without his cap on and was animated on the touchline like never before.
In the second half, the heavens opened as the rain dripped down, and according to African culture, rain usually means luck, but Lady Luck was not on Amakhosi’s side as they suffered a rather embarrassing 3-0 defeat to their fiercest rivals.
To add to the result, this was the heaviest defeat for Chiefs at the hands of Pirates in the PSL era.
The previous biggest score margin was 5-1in 1998.
In 1996, Pirates walloped Chiefs 4-1 after a hat trick from Jerry “Legs of Thunder” Sikhosana, the last player to ever score three goals in a derby to date.
Pirates have now climbed back up to the top of the Betway Premiership standings with 41 points ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns, will be in action this afternoon against Sekhukhune United, and will want to overtake the Buccaneers once again.
