Zacharia Nale
SEDIBENG.- In the past Vaal players used to dominate the Soweto derby when Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates played against each other be it in a friendly, cup, or official match.
However, gone are those days with local players like Simon “Bull” Lehoko, Malome Phiri, Phiri Tsotetsi, Steve “Chippa” Lekoelea, Fortune Koloba, Abia “Soul Provider” Nale, Thabo Rakhale, to mention but few who dominated the derby which was regarded as one of the biggest derbies in the calendar of football in the world.
With Kaizer Chiefs hosting Orlando Pirates in the DSTV Premiership match at FNB Stadium on Saturday, there is only one Vaal-based player who is expected to feature in this much anticipated Soweto derby on Saturday. Siyabonga Ngezana is the only Vaal-based player who is likely to be part of this historical South African derby with Sabelo Radebe struggling to break in the Kaizer Chiefs team.
The kick-off is at 15:30.
The same can be said with soccer fans with the late Johannes “Mzion” Mofokeng being the No 1 Supporter of Orlando Pirates from Vaal.
Gone are the days when Kaizer Chiefs supporters used to paint the Zone 11 Post Office in gold and black, and black and white when these two South African giants played against each other. However, recently there is no more vibe like in the past.
This Saturday it will be interesting to see if Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates supporters from Sedibeng will revive this great memory to gather at the venue for transport to the stadium. Many believe that the lack of interest in the Soweto derby for Sedibeng soccer fans is because there are no more players from Vaal that they would be looking forward to watching like in the past.
