Mama Joy backs Kaizer Chiefs to beat Orlando Pirates in Soweto Derby

Former Orlando Pirates super-fan Joy “Mama Joy” Chauke has tipped Kaizer Chiefs to defeat her former club in Saturday’s Soweto Derby at FNB Stadium.

The two sides meet in a Betway Premiership fixture, with the match expected to draw intense interest as both clubs compete for local bragging rights.

“Kuyokhala abantu [it will end in tears]. Kaizer Chiefs is winning. Forward with Amakhosi,” Chauke told KickOff.

Chauke ended her 32-year association with Orlando Pirates in November 2021, leaving the club by choice to become the number one supporter and “super-fan” of Royal AM FC.

Despite her long history with Pirates, she believes the circumstances favour Kaizer Chiefs ahead of the derby.

“In the derby most of the time it’s the team that is not playing well that wins. To balance things,” she said.

“Pirates are winning both here at home and in the Champions League, while Chiefs didn’t win in the Confederations Cup.”

Chauke argued that the result would help restore balance between the two Soweto rivals, adding that luck often plays a decisive role in this fixture.

“So since God loves all, he will give Chiefs the derby come Saturday. Without luck you will never win the Soweto Derby. You need luck to win the derby. Underdogs always thrive in the Soweto Derby,” she said.

Her prediction comes from a supporter who understands the rivalry from the Pirates side, having previously been one of the club’s most prominent fans.

“I used to be a Pirates supporter so I know how these things work,” Chauke said.

She also singled out the Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Ndlovu, suggesting he could play an important role in preventing Orlando Pirates from controlling the match.

“The Kaizer Chiefs midfielder, Ndlovu, will not let these Pirates boys do as they please on that pitch,” she added.

The Soweto Derby will be played on Saturday afternoon at FNB Stadium, with all three points at stake in the Betway Premiership.