WATCH: Shaun Bartlett on why the Soweto is so special
Shaun Bartlett highlights the unique 90,000-fan pressure awaiting Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates in the derby.
Former Kaizer Chiefs striker Shaun Bartlett has cautioned that league form holds no significance as the Soweto Derby approaches. Speaking about the unique atmosphere surrounding South Africa's showcase fixture, the ex-Bafana Bafana player emphasized that the intense emotions and local pride routinely overturn predictions on the field.
"I always say when it comes to the derby, form guide goes out the window," Bartlett declared. "There's a lot of emotion. It's about the pride of Soweto. And sometimes you'll find a team that might not be in form will come into this game and still manage to get the results." Having previously played in the English Premier League with Charlton Athletic before joining Kaizer Chiefs, Bartlett highlighted the psychological difference between the Soweto Derby and regular league matches.
"The key is the crowd. The other games you probably won't ever get close to 80,000 or 90,000," he explained. The stakes are higher in the Soweto Derby, as representing the badge is considered a tremendous honor for both clubs. Bartlett recalled his first game and scoring, which quickly earned him credibility among the fans. "When I played my first game and I scored, it gave me a little bit of credibility," he recalled. Scoring in a derby game tends to endear players to the fans more quickly.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
