Orlando Pirates fans raise funds to bring Nigerian supporter to Soweto Derby

Orlando Pirates supporters are raising money to bring Nigerian fan Miracle Michael, known online as Anoda Mirakle, to South Africa for the Soweto Derby.

Pirates will face Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday, 31 October 2026, in Johannesburg, and prominent club supporter Philip Jwara is helping organise the trip so Michael can watch her favourite team in one of South African football’s biggest fixtures.

The campaign is also intended to strengthen Orlando Pirates’ support base in Nigeria, where Michael has developed a strong following for the club and is well informed about football in South Africa.

“Thanks to Orlando Pirates Football Club, today I have a family of brothers and sisters whom I don’t share the same parents with,” Jwara told KICK OFF.

He said Michael had previously attempted to collect enough money to attend the Soweto Derby but was unsuccessful.

“In Nigeria, there’s a sister known as Anoda Mirakle, she loves Pirates a lot,” he said. “She is very informed when it comes to South African football; she knows each and every team, but her favourite is Pirates. Apparently, last year she tried to raise funds to come to the Soweto Derby but failed.”

Pirates supporters then discussed her situation during an online meeting and agreed to launch a fundraising drive. The appeal has received support beyond the club’s own fanbase, with Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns supporters also contributing.

“So, as Pirates fans, we spoke in an online meeting, and we decided to start a campaign to help her realise her dream,” Jwara said. “We invite everyone who would like to donate to do so. The campaign is going smoothly; it shows football unites the people. There are even Chiefs and Sundowns supporters who have been contributing.”

Travel plans and safety arrangements

Because the campaign is raising money for a woman travelling from Nigeria, the supporters have held discussions with the Zodwa Khoza Foundation. They have also presented their plans to Orlando Pirates, with both the foundation and the club approving the initiative.

The foundation has committed to helping with accommodation. Michael will travel with her boyfriend, while two or three Pirates supporters will stay near where the couple are lodging to help ensure their safety.

The itinerary includes visits to the PSL offices, FNB Stadium, the Zodwa Khoza Foundation offices and Es’godini. The group also plans to take Michael to Vilakazi Street in Soweto.

Jwara said the supporters had already arranged Michael’s visa and booked her flight. The trip to South Africa is expected to cost R46,000, excluding accommodation and tours.

“We will take her on a tour of the PSL offices, FNB Stadium, Zodwa Khoza Foundation offices, and Es’godini,” he said. “We will also take her to Vilakazi Street in Soweto. We have already arranged her visa and booked her flight. The total cost of her trip to South Africa is R46,000, excluding accommodation and tours.”