Orlando Pirates FC have confirmed a complete sell-out for the upcoming Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium. The club stated that all available tickets were snapped up through authorised outlets within hours of going on sale for the 31 October clash.
The Buccaneers said: "all available tickets had been snapped up through authorised outlets before the end of the day." Stadium Management South Africa officially confirmed the sell-out, with 63,000 tickets allocated for public sale at the 90,000-capacity Calabash. This marks the 185th edition of South African football's fiercest rivalry, a massive cultural event that traditionally draws a full house.
Orlando Pirates enter this derby in strong form, sitting second in the Premier Soccer League with 22 points from eight games. They are just one point behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns and have the league's best defensive record, having conceded only one goal all season. Their recent form shows four wins and one loss from their last five matches, with the sole defeat a 2-0 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns on 10 October. Their most recent outing was a commanding 3-0 victory over TS Galaxy last Wednesday, a result that extended their winning streak in the league. In that match, goals from Boitumelo Lawrence Radiopane, Tshepang Moremi, and Simphiwe Masilela secured the points. The team has scored 19 goals this season while conceding only one, giving them a formidable goal difference of plus 18. Their top scorer this season is T. Moremi with four goals in six appearances.
Kaizer Chiefs, their historic rivals, arrive in fourth place with 14 points, having been held to a 1-1 draw by Stellenbosch FC in their last match. The derby kicks off at 15H30 on Saturday, with Orlando Pirates serving as the home team. Following this domestic spectacle, the Buccaneers' attention will turn to continental competition as they prepare to face Namibia’s African Stars in the CAF Champions League.
Further reading: vodacomsoccer.com
