Sold-out signs went up days ago, and now it’s less than 24 hours to go to the biggest football match in the country – Orlando Pirates v Kaizer Chiefs!
And for two Pirates players, Ben Motshwari and Kudakwachi Mahachi, it will be their first experience of 90 000 fans at Soccer City on Saturday (3.30pm kickoff).
Former Wits man Motshwari will look to pull the strings for the Buccaneers against the Amakhosi, but the experience of playing in front of a capacity crowd will be something new for the 27-year-old.
“We all know it’s the biggest game in the country. The country comes to a standstill, and it’s one of the big games being supported by thousands of people,” Motshwari said in a video on the Pirates Twitter page.
“I’m very excited, knowing that you are going to experience one of the best moments of your life, being watched by 90 000 people. So, it’s one of the best feelings and I am looking forward to it.”
— Orlando Pirates FC (@orlandopirates) October 25, 2018
Zimbabwean goal-scoring midfielder Kudakwashe Mahachi is also thrilled about playing on the big stage, having watched the Soweto Derby as a youngster.
“It’s a big game in the country – even in Africa. Since I was growing up, I always watched the Soweto Derby. So, it’s a dream come true for me to play in this game this week,” he said.
“Playing for Orlando Pirates against Kaizer Chiefs in front of 90 000 people will be a dream come true for me.”
☠ #DerbyDebutants☝🏽🏟⚽️
📹 Kudakwashe Mahachi
⚫⚪🔴⭐ #SowetoDerby #OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/33nIxg6G41
— Orlando Pirates FC (@orlandopirates) October 26, 2018