Nigerian Orlando Pirates fan's Soweto Derby trip funded by supporters

Nigerian Orlando Pirates fan Miracle Ebubechi Michael will go to the sold-out Soweto Derby after a fundraising push gathered over R40,000 with help from the club's forum and rival fans.

A Nigerian Orlando Pirates superfan will go to the sold-out Soweto Derby this weekend after a fundraising effort gathered more than R40,000 for her journey. The drive was officially supported by the Orlando Pirates Supporters Forum and also received donations from followers of rival teams Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns.

Miracle Ebubechi Michael, who goes by Mimi or Anoda Mirakle, will fly to Johannesburg for the game at FNB Stadium. Tickets for the derby sold out quickly after becoming available, showing the event's huge popularity. The Zodwa Khoza Foundation has agreed to pay for lodging for Mimi and her companion while they are in South Africa.

Bold pledge ahead of derby

Mimi made a dramatic vow before the important match. "If Kaizer Chiefs beat Pirates in the Soweto Derby, I will walk all the way back to Nigeria on foot!" she stated in a video. Her promise adds a personal element of excitement to a game with major implications for the league table.

Orlando Pirates enter the derby holding second position in the Premier Soccer League. They trail the leading team by a single point and have won their last four matches. Their upcoming rivals, Kaizer Chiefs, are positioned fifth. The match carries great importance as Pirates aim to keep up their current performances. The team's recent form is formidable, with four wins and one loss in their last five games, and they are on a four-game winning run. Their latest victory was a 3-0 win over Milford FC on Tuesday 27 October. This season, they have scored 19 goals and conceded just one, giving them a goal difference of plus 18. Their top scorer is T. Moremi, who has four goals in six appearances and scored twice in the recent 3-0 win.

The tale of Mimi's trip, aided by a diverse group of South African football supporters, shows the intense passion around one of Africa's most renowned games. Her visit will involve going to Vilakazi Street in Soweto and the Premier Soccer League offices. She intends to see the derby from the stadium, having promised to walk home if her favored Pirates lose. Her schedule also contains a meeting with the Orlando Pirates team and going to a pre-match meeting at the club's main office.