As any local football fan will tell you, the Soweto derby is no ordinary match.
Packed with fervour, tradition, rivalries, and great moments, the latest such showdown takes place at FNB Stadium on Saturday where SuperSport will bring its own big-game approach to the renowned DStv Premiership fixture.
HALFTIME SHOW
Apart from the latest tech and 18-camera specification, SuperSport has facilitated a halftime show with a twist. In an unprecedented move, the show will be dedicated to amplifying this weekend’s premiere of the much awaited “Rise: The Siya Kolisi Story”, to be broadcast on DStv on Sunday.
Ten members of the famous Gwijo Squad will sing igwijo (synonymous with Kolisi) from the centre circle at FNB Stadium and the World Cup-winning rugby captain will address the anticipated capacity crowd via a recording on the big screen.
STUDIO EXPERTS
Many familiar faces, all of them accomplished broadcasters, will anchor the broadcast, which begins at 2pm for the 3:30pm kick-off.
In studio will be Thomas Mlambo with Phumudzo Manenzhe and Jimmy Tau, who once wore the colours of Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs respectively.
Touchline action will be relayed by ex-Chiefs midfielder Stanton Fredericks, former Pirate Teko Modise and presenter Julia Stuart.
COMMENTARY
The multi-language commentary offering will be supplied by the accomplished trio of Mark Gleeson, Reggie Ndlovu and Tshepo Maimane, with fan interaction via the mic of Fiso Mazibuko and Romy Titus, who will be mingling with legends in the Chiefs suite.
DIGITAL
Articles rolling out on the website throughout this week will celebrate SuperSport’s 15-year partnership with the Premier Soccer League.
These will take in memorable derbies, youngsters who made their mark in Pirates-Chiefs matches, those who wore both teams’ colours, statistics, and much more.
Content across social platforms will also focus on walking down memory lane plus video content highlighted by Phumudzo “The Bold” Manenzhe looking at tactics and trends, plus interviews with celebrated commentators Zama Masondo and Baba Mthethwa.
GETTING SOCIAL
Social Corner and SuperPicks will also add significant plug-ins to the derby coverage.
Social Corner will host a derby special question-and-answer session with former Chiefs midfielder Josta Dladla to run on Blitz and digital platforms from Thursday. Additionally, there will be Social Corner live segments in studio and at venue with a guest appearance by SA actor Kenneth Nkosi.
SuperPicks will adopt a roving role, interacting with content creators, while there will be an opportunity for shopping on Social Corner (via https://liveshopping.co.za/collections/social-corner) at the DStv activation area at the stadium on Saturday.
TECHNOLOGY
Beyond this, SuperSport will supplement its broadcast with augmented reality and virtual reality graphics, plus drone coverage adding to the 18-camera spec. With player tracking and heat maps also available, the television viewing experience is designed to be in keeping with the super-status of the match.
THEN– AND NOW
The DStv Premiership title race is heating up, with several clubs battling it out for the second spot as defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns are miles ahead and in no danger of being overtaken any time soon.
The Soweto rivalry is one of the fiercest and most passionate in the world of football, and it always attracts a lot of attention from Diski fans around the world.
This is rooted in a rivalry that dates to the 1970s. The first official meeting between the two teams took place in January 1970. The match was played at Orlando Stadium and ended in a 6-4 victory for Pirates. Since then, the two have played against each other 171 times in official matches, with each match adding to the rivalry.
Consequently, the derby has developed a cultural significance in South Africa, bringing together fans from all walks of life to celebrate their love for football.
Chiefs lead the head-to-head count with 73 wins (54 draws) in 171 matches, yet it is the goals per game average that truly excites: 2.36, which suggests a thrilling match may be in store.
As part of the match build-up, SuperSport Blitz will broadcast the official press conference on Thursday, beginning at 1pm.
BROADCAST DETAILS
From 2pm: SS Grandstand, SS PSL, SS Variety 3 A, SS Variety 4.
The match will also be streamed live on Showmax Pro.