JOHANNESBURG – Just before the players entered Orlando Stadium, the DJ played Mroza’s hit song Elamanqamu Namhlanje, which translates to ‘Today is Judgement Day’.
In the song, Mroza talks about his plan to kill Jean-Claude van Damme because they say that he can’t be beaten. The few fans here danced to the song with the heavy security presence overlooking them.
Police officers stood next to the security guards who surrounded the pitch. It was as if the entire Orlando Police Station was deployed here to avoid the violent scenes that hit Loftus Versfeld on Saturday after angry Pirates fans stormed the field trying to attack their own players. Some of the police were wearing riot gear.
Almost two hours before kickoff, just over 50 security guards stood across the pitch in a formation they would deploy to fend off pitch invaders. A few of them abandoned their post when the heavy downpour hit.
They ran for cover while some of their colleagues stayed behind. Those who remained shielded themselves with umbrellas, while others used raincoats.
But when the rain took it up a notch, they all ran for cover as it became pitch-black, with visibility at a minimum.
The rain ended just before the start of the match. The security guards returned to their post, including those who were strategically placed among the fans.
The security guards were on high alert after Wits took the lead. The stadium went deadly quiet.
After the Ghost found their composure, the fans on the Southern stand sang “Voets*k man, f*k off man” – directed at their own players.
They even refused to give the ball when it came in their direction. It went from bad to worse just before halftime as Gabadinho Mhango netted his second.
Pirates assistant coach Benson Mhlongo motioned for the players to quickly leave the pitch. Ordinarily the players huddle together in the middle of the park at halftime to have a few words with each other before going to the change room.
That didn’t happen on Wednesday night as they quickly made their way off the pitch.
Six men in black suits stood in front of the tunnel, menacingly guarding it with their bulky frames.
The fans, who had told their own players where to get off, found themselves conflicted when Happy Jele pulled one back for the Buccaneers.
They started by waving off the effort with their hands, but were soon won over by the contagious cheers that rang out across the stadium.
The police in riot gear started positioning themselves with 10 minutes to go. By then, the Buccaneers were angry with referee Victor Hlungwani after he sent off goalkeeper Jackson Mabokgwane for handling the ball outside his box.
Jele took over from Mabokgwane because the Buccaneers had already made three changes. Jele pulled out a brilliant save in the optional time, denying Mhango a hat trick.
The large number of security personnel, along with police who were deployed here, didn’t have to make any saves.
The Ghost begrudgingly accepted the defeat, with a section of the fans chanting Happy. They even clapped for their players when they saluted them after the game.