DailySun
The much-awaited Soweto Derby in South Africa, featuring Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, is officially sold out.
This announcement was made by the Pirates, who are hosting the eagerly anticipated match at FNB Stadium on February 1.
On Friday, stadium officials reported that only 15,000 tickets were left. However, by Saturday, Pirates confirmed that all tickets had been sold.
The swift ticket sales can be attributed to Pirates’ exceptional performance this season. Currently, they sit in second place in the Betway Premiership, having amassed 27 points from 11 matches, just three points shy of the league-leading seven-time champions, Mamelodi Sundowns.
In contrast, the Chiefs have experienced a more erratic season, currently placed sixth with 18 points from 13 matches, nine points behind the Pirates.
Pirates have recently proven to be the more dominant team in these Derby matchups, having won their last three encounters, including the Nedbank Cup semifinal in 2023.
This upcoming match is set to be the 181st meeting in this historic rivalry, with the Chiefs maintaining a slight advantage in the overall statistics, having won 74 times compared to Pirates’ 47 victories. There have also been 54 drawn matches and five games that ended in abandonment. Overall, the Chiefs have scored 230 goals in the Soweto Derby, whereas the Pirates have found the net 196 times.
Before this legendary clash at the 2010 World Cup final venue, the Pirates will face three more teams.
They are set to challenge Al Ahly in the CAF Champions League this weekend, where a draw will secure them the top position in Group C.
Following this, they will compete against Royal AM at Harry Gwala Stadium on January 23, and then meet Richards Bay in the Nedbank Cup’s round of 32 three days later, also on the road.
