Things turned ugly at the FNB Stadium as a pitch-side brawl between Chiefs and Pirates officials forced Amakhosi to abandon their warm-up. Photo: Itumeleng English Independent Media
Image: Itumeleng English Independent Media
Chaos erupted during the Soweto derby warm-up on Sunday afternoone, as a fight broke out between Kaizer Chiefs officials and Orlando Pirates security personnel, resulting in tensions boiling over to the players. Amakhosi momentarily abandoned their preparations, returning to the dressing room.
The ugly scenes at the Betway Premiership encounter, which lasted for close to five minutes, seemed to have continued in the tunnel, with police working hard to keep the two sides apart. Chiefs’ decision to abandon the warm-up was supported by their bosses, with sporting director Kaizer Motaung Junior and football manager Bobby Motaung pitch-side when the fight broke out.
With Pirates being the home team for this clash, they had most of the control. As such, it is alleged that they did not agree with whatever the Chiefs official was doing in his pre-match ritual.
Chiefs eventually returned to the pitch to continue their warm-up. With kick-off delayed by 45 minutes — from the initial 3pm kick-off — due to traffic around the stadium, they had some time to catch up.
The rise in tensions was expected heading into the match, given the high stakes during this end-of-season run-in. Aside from the country’s bragging rights, Pirates are chasing the title, having arrived top of the standings with 58 points — one ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns, who have a game in hand, and are scheduled to play Richards Bay later on Sunday.
With police intervention and a 45-minute kick-off delay, the heat was on before the whistle even blew. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
With police intervention and a 45-minute kick-off delay, the heat was on before the whistle even blew. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
With police intervention and a 45-minute kick-off delay, the heat was on before the whistle even blew. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
With police intervention and a 45-minute kick-off delay, the heat was on before the whistle even blew. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: backpagepix
Given all that, the Sea Robbers know any slip-up on the day could prove costly.
Chiefs, meanwhile, are eyeing a Top 3e finish. They currently occupy third spot with 47 points, five ahead of AmaZulu, who have played one game more. While there was a lot at stake, the battle was expected to be on the field, with players fighting tooth and nail for the three points.
With the Soweto Derby starting under a cloud of pre-match tension, the focus now shifts to whether the action on the pitch can outshine the drama off it.