Mphela: Nothing Compares To The Soweto Derby | Soccer Laduma
January 23, 2025
Katlego Mphela during the Carling Black Label Cup match between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates at FNB Stadium on 26 July 2014 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Katlego Mphela during the Carling Black Label Cup match between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates at FNB Stadium on 26 July 2014 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images

Former Bafana Bafana legends Oupa Manyisa and Katlego Mphela shared their early predictions for the Soweto Derby, while also discussing the significance of the iconic fixture.  

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The story

With the hotly anticipated Soweto Derby on the horizon, former Kaizer Chiefs striker Katlego Mphela and former Orlando Pirates captain Oupa Manyisa discussed the clash as Betway Premiership ambassadors. 

Speaking during an interview on YFM, the retired ballers looked ahead to the showdown, which has already been declared as a sell out at the FNB Stadium. 

Mphela and Manyisa were asked to share their predications for the blockbuster clash on the youthful station’s “The Way Up” morning show with hosts Nia Brown, Mthaux and Okay Wasabi.

“I want to say Pirates as well but I can’t because I played for Chiefs. In my heart, I want them [Chiefs] to win but the previous performances? Eish, it’s going to be difficult,” noted Mphela.

“But, the derby is the derby, you never know. Players put more effort when they play these type of games. Chiefs, 2-1,” predicted the ex-Bafana striker.

With Manyisa predicting a 2-0 win for the Buccaneers, the former Bucs skipper recalled how nervous he felt leading up to his first ever Soweto Derby appearance.

“For me, I remember I woke up at 5am. I couldn’t sleep because it was my first derby. On Monday, you get all the talk on the streets, fans saying, ‘Don’t lose, don’t lose.’ You can’t even go to the mall. So, there’s pressure, it’s a nice game you have to play it with your mind and legs only, don’t be emotional,” said Manyisa. 

Mphela, who also plied his trade for Mamelodi Sundowns and SuperSport United, stated that nothing compares to the thrill of a Chiefs vs Pirates clash. 

“I’ve played for Bafana Bafana, I’ve played in different countries and I’ve never experienced something like that. I think the derby is in the top 10, in the world. Everything stops, so it’s something else,” said Mphela. 

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Source: https://www.snl24.com/soccerladuma/fan-park/mphela-manyisa-reflect-on-soweto-derby-predict-outcome-20250123

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