The teams have played one another 177 times and now, with another Soweto derby looming, the fixture remains as compelling as ever.
On Saturday, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates will again bring their charms, their fans, and their skills to FNB Stadium to engage in the battle for bragging rights between two of South Africa’s soccer giants.
SuperSport will be there to convey the grandeur of the day, taking in the sideshows, the sizzle and the splendour that is always so central to the Soweto derby. Appropriately enough, some of soccer’s biggest names will be on hand to break down the match and analyse the teams both before, during and after the action.
With TV coverage beginning at 2pm, seasoned Thomas Mlambo will anchor the studio presentation with top guests Teko Modise, Jimmy Tau and Amanda Dlamini.
At the stadium, meanwhile, dapper Lwazi Ziqubu will have top analysts Phumudzo Manenzhe and Stanton Fredericks running the rule over both teams with a particular emphasis on tactics and strategy.
Multi-language commentary will be provided by Mark Gleeson and Fredericks (both English), Reggie Ndlovu (Zulu) and Baba Mthethwa (Sotho).
Thato Moeng will duly present the second screen viewing.
MAJOR PRODUCTION
The scope and scale of the event demands a major production and consequently, 18 cameras will broadcast the action with augmented and virtual reality integrations forming part of the television spectacle.
Embedded SuperSport camera crews will travel with the teams from their hotel to the changerooms and be on hand post-match for a rare look at life on the inside.
With the referee always playing a critical role, experienced official David Roland Elleray, a former UK referee who officiated in the Football League, Premier League and for Fifa, will host “Referee’s Corner”, which will offer a unique perspective on the man in the middle.
The technical director of the International Football Association Board, he also refereed the 1994 FA Cup final.
HALL OF FAME INDUCTION
There will also be a special guard of honour for Kaizer Motaung before kickoff, acknowledging his induction this week into the South African Sports Hall of Fame. This, too, will be part of the SuperSport buildup.
Among the day’s highlights will be the attendance of Rugby World Cup heroes Makazole Mapimpi and Kurt-Lee Arendse, both of whom will receive a special Soweto celebration.
A wealth of support programming will build towards Saturday’s big showdown:
Magazine Shows
Derby content and guests.
Fan Base
Derby special.
Podcast
SuperSport experts discuss and debate past glories.
All-time XI debate.
(Shot on location at Soccer City).
SuperPicks
Themed Soweto derby show.
Chiefs and Pirates celebrity ambassadors included.
R2-million SuperPicks jackpot up for grabs.
DStv AmaFanDayz activation.
Social Corner
Top 10 Soweto derby moments.
DStv rewards viewing party live crossings.
Linear content
SuperSport re-wind: A Story of the Soweto derby.