Soweto Derby sells out within a day as Chiefs prepare to host Pirates

The upcoming Soweto Derby between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates has sold out in less than a day, with 63.680 tickets made available for the fixture.

The match will be played at FNB Stadium on 31 October, with Kaizer Chiefs, known as Amakhosi, hosting Orlando Pirates, the Buccaneers.

Stadium Management confirmed that tickets went on sale on Wednesday and were all sold by the end of the day. The remaining allocations have been reserved for competitions, sponsors and suites.

The derby will follow both clubs’ involvement in CAF inter-club competition. Kaizer Chiefs are due to face Red Arrows in the CAF Confederation Cup, while Orlando Pirates will play African Stars in the CAF Champions League.

Orlando Pirates will enter the Soweto Derby with the stronger league record. The visitors have won their past six Betway Premiership matches and remain unbeaten after recording seven victories and one draw.

That run has moved Orlando Pirates to within one point of leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.

Kaizer Chiefs are also yet to lose in the league, but their progress has slowed after five draws in their past six fixtures. They have drawn their last three matches and currently sit fourth in the table.

Amakhosi have collected 14 points, leaving them eight behind their Soweto rivals. A defeat against Orlando Pirates could leave their Betway Premiership title hopes effectively over, given the current gap between the sides.