Kaizer Chiefs‘ Marketing and Commercial Director, Jessica Motaung, has set high expectations for this weekend’s Soweto derby, promising an experience comparable to America’s Super Bowl.
Chiefs will host arch rivals Orlando Pirates at FNB Stadium on Saturday for the first derby of the 2025/26 PSL season.
Speaking to the media at the Chiefs Village in Naturena, Motaung confirmed that preparations are well underway and urged fans to arrive early to ensure a timely kickoff.
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“It’s a bumper week for football,” Motaung told journalists as per Soccer Laduma. “I was saying to the team, it feels like we’re going to have the Super Bowl of football happening here on the weekend, and we’re very excited about that.”
Motaung emphasised the importance of fan cooperation to ensure the event runs smoothly and provides a memorable experience for all attendees.
Motaung on what is in store for derby fans
“We’re in for an amazing derby experience, but we’re asking that supporters work with us. It’s important that we, as event holders, run the events properly. The big thing here today is to say, can supporters come early? Supporters, come on time,” she added.
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To encourage early attendance, Motaung detailed a host of pre-match activities and giveaways organised in partnership with club sponsors. She highlighted that gates will open at 11:00 AM to accommodate the expected crowds and allow fans to enjoy the full range of entertainment.
“We’ve made sure through our sponsors and other partners that there’s an absolutely bumper event happening,” she explained. “There’s a lot of activation happening. We have the Toyota Zone, where about 500 cars can park for free, and we have giveaways there.”
She also mentioned promotions from other partners, including Carling, who are offering cash prizes and a trip to the FIFA World Cup. SuperSportBet will be distributing foam hands, while Vodacom will be giving away flags.
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Lots of entertainment off the pitch
“We’re saying to people, please come in on time, because not only have we as a club created excitement and entertainment for you, but our sponsors have come to the party to make sure that you as supporters come in and have a great time,” said the Chiefs boss.
The pre-game entertainment will feature a performance by Buhle, an artist with one of South Africa’s top-charting songs. Motaung reiterated her plea for an early arrival, citing traffic concerns and the desire for a punctual start to the match.
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“Traffic is going to be tight; people need to come early,” she stressed. “We want supporters to come in on time and enjoy themselves, and we also want the game to start on time. That’s a very, very important point.”
Tickets for the highly anticipated Soweto Derby on Saturday are already sold out. The match is scheduled to kick off at 15:30 at FNB Stadium.
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