Soweto Derby Is Just A Game

It's that time of the season again when friends become foes and families get divided when two of South Africa's biggest clubs, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, collide for the bragging rights and the three points on offer.

But as is always the norm after the game, stories of fights that ended in the death of somebody's child will be splashed all over the newspapers on Sunday and Monday.

It important to emphasise this point to the soccer loving community, that tomorrow's Soweto derby is just a game, it's not a war - so there's no need to kill each other.

I know that it does irritate one when he/she is constantly reminded that his/her team lost, but fighting over that is a definite no no.

Let's all look at the example set by the Chiefs and Pirates players. I know of Chiefs players who are friends with Pirates players and vice versa.

After the derby, these players continue to be friends regardless of the result of the match. Some even go out for a get together somewhere and chat about the game afterwards.

Like the fans, they do tease each other after the game, but they don't take everything personal - hence the fact that they continue to be friends.

There's no need for blood to be shed just because a certain team lost, so it's about time we all act like civilised soccer fans, not some hooligans.

I used to be a staunch supporter of a soccer team and when that team lost a game, I used to lose my appetite and go to bed hungry, until I saw how players treat a soccer game.

My first observation was seeing some of the players of the team I supported hugging and laughing with their opponents after the game.

I realised then that the game of soccer, is nothing more than a game that is played for more than 90 minutes - and now I eat while watching a game.

So, this Saturday, check the players of your team after the game, you'll see that even though they are disappointed with a loss, they are able to shake hands with their opponents.

That's the way we all need to treat the Soweto derby, as a game, because that's what it is - a game.

Sidlal'isdiki

Khaya Ndubane