What happened to the magic of the Soweto Derby? (video)

Back in the day the Soweto Derby, contested by the country’s biggest clubs in Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, was like a movie which always gave soccer fans their money’s worth.

Every plot was exciting: from the build-up to the first kick of the ball. Yes, even the build-ups were exciting and even involved coaches taking digs at each other.

But unfortunately, what’s been undoubtedly the biggest soccer match in the country, has been deteriorating over the last few years.

As a matter of fact, I’m arguing that the decline of the spectacle began when the old FNB Stadium, today known as Soccer City, was given a facelift to prepare it for the 2010 Soccer World Cup.

Not to say it’s the upgrading itself that’s been the driving force behind what we’re subjected to today, but the amazing build-ups, the star players, the star coaches, the big goal nets (which played their part in the derby’s appeal) and the great contests, seemed to have all gone with the old FNB Stadium.

Not to mention that back in the day, both teams used to be legitimate title contenders, which also added to the spectacle’s appeal.

But today, both Chiefs and Pirates have just simply reduced themselves to mediocrity.

You cannot really claim that it’s the biggest match in the country when no one remembers the last time either side won the league, now can you?

To be specific, the Sea Robbers last lifted the league title in 2012 while the Phefeni Glamour Boys last tasted league success in 2015.

Which brings me to the results between the two sides since the turn of the World Cup: it’s become too predictable and stagnant.

There have been six draws in the last 10 derbies. One of those draws was settled in a penalty shoot-out in a Telkom Knockout clash in 2015 where Chiefs took the spoils 6-5.

Let’s look at today’s players involved – from the Happy People, you have the likes of Augustine Mulenga, Thembinkosi Lorch, Musa Nyatama and Mpho Makola as some of the standout players.

While on the gold and black side, you have Khama Billiat, Leonardo Castro, Bernard Parker and Willard Katsande, to name a few.

With all due respect to the mentioned groups, it’s a far cry from the stars that used to entertain us yesteryear.

These include the Steve Lekoeleas, the Benedict Vilakazis, the Gift Leremis, the Lesley Manyathelas and the Teko Modises of this world.

Chiefs used to boast the likes of Collins Mbesuma, Scara Ngobese, Jabu Pule and one of the best entertainers in derby history, Brian ‘Spiderman’ Baloyi.

The lack of drive in the build-ups can be directed at the fact that these two giants don’t give the media and the public much to talk about these years.

I mean Chiefs hasn’t won a single trophy in four seasons – I can only imagine the type of reaction this stat would draw from Man United, Real Madrid and Barcelona fans.

The boring on-field action can be attributed to the lack of quality in both camps and prioritising the fear of losing above going for the win when derby time comes.

Both owners (Dr Irvin Khoza for Pirates) and Kaizer Motaung (Chiefs) can do a better job in bringing back those derby days that made the public more excited than Christmas Day by doing a better job in player acquisitions.

The coaches and the players themselves can also do a better job by dropping their guard and give attacking, quality football worthy of the once iconic Soweto Derby.

The derby is played on February 9 at 3pm.