iafrica.com's Khaya Ndubane wonders if Saturday's dull Soweto Derby match between rivals Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates was a sign that the derby has lost its spark.

As usual there was much hype prior to the event, with families and friends divided as to who will win the derby, but little did they know that the match itself would turn into a bore.

With both Chiefs coach Vladimir Vermezovic and Pirates boss Ruud Krol opting for a more cautious approach, the match never delievered on the hype, especially in the first half — when Pirates had only one shot at goal. Chiefs on the other side had chances, but they too failed to hit the target with most of their shots going wide.

The same story continued in the second half and Chiefs goalkeeper Arthur Bartman was reduced to a spectator, while his counterpart Moeneeb Josephs kept busy with goal kicks courtesy of the numerous shots Chiefs sent wide of the mark.

Vermezovic tried to change his system in the second half to a more attacking one, but Krol was happy to sit back and defend so that he could take a point from the match.

What was obvious on the day was that both these coaches wanted to protect their jobs more than they wanted a win. Someone needs to remind them that the derby is all about excitement and what brings that is goals.

People pay their hard earned cash to see goals and if things continue the way they are going the derby will lose its spark and fans will start treating it like any other match. That will not be good for SA soccer.

It won't be good to see half empty stadiums during a Soweto Derby because that will automatically affect the already dwindling Bafana support.

The rivalry between Chiefs and Pirates is the lifeblood of South African soccer and without it I'm afraid SA soccer will never be the same again.

History has proved that the South African soccer fans — especially the Chiefs and Pirates fans — are a results driven bunch. They want results or they simply stay away from the stadiums.

So Vermezovic and Krol remember that the next time your tactics turn the Soweto Derby into a bore!

  • Do you agree with Khaya? Is the Soeto Derby losing its spark? Let us know what YOU think!
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