Soweto derby: Kaizer Chiefs branch opens travel plans to rival fans

The Kaizer Chiefs Midrand branch is bringing together supporters from across club rivalries for the Soweto derby, with transport, ticketing and hospitality arranged to make the trip to FNB Stadium safe and affordable.

Members will meet at 10am at the Shoprite YaRona precinct in Kaalfontein before travelling to the stadium, with the early departure intended to avoid traffic. The group will then finalise the day’s itinerary and travel arrangements.

Although the branch is organising the trip, its plans include Orlando Pirates supporters and neutral fans, including those who follow Mamelodi Sundowns.

Tickets secured through the branch

Obtaining valid match tickets is the branch’s first priority. Organisers have used branch funds to purchase tickets in bulk, while also dividing the buying process among members, their spouses and their partners because of limits imposed by the ticketing system.

“One person was allowed to buy only four each this time. So we divide the task, using our spouses and partners as well. We combine the numbers and see what we can secure,” branch secretary Pumza Kiki told IOL Sport.

The approach is designed to prevent supporters from being exposed to fake ticket sales and overcrowding.

The branch also sent members to sponsor activations in Soweto on Friday in an effort to obtain more tickets. At an event at Maponya Mall, supporters entered competitions for free tickets and returned with them to the branch.

“We try to meet halfway and help each other,” Kiki said.

Food and friendship

The early gathering will also give travelling supporters an opportunity to share food and refreshments before the journey.

“When we travel long distances and around the province, we mostly have ladies who cook dumplings and umleqwa [traditional hardbody chicken],” Kiki said.

“Before we leave, we eat whatever has been prepared and share among ourselves. When the guys go to the shop to buy alcohol, they always ensure they buy soft drinks for people who don’t drink. That is all voluntary. Nobody is forced to spend money. We are like a happy family.”

Seven registered minibus taxis and a H1 have been arranged for the trip. Operators pay a R200 seasonal registration fee, while members pay R120 annually. The return journey to the Calabash costs R120 per passenger.

The branch also provides transport to matches outside the province, charging R480 for Polokwane, R500 for Mbombela, R700 for Durban and R1,000 for Gqeberha.

“We are a Kaizer Chiefs branch, but we don’t close doors on people who want to travel with us,” Kiki said. “At the end of the day, it’s all about soccer fanatics. It’s not just about Kaizer Chiefs.”

The match is expected to finish at about 5:30pm, after which passengers will be taken back to the Kaalfontein pick-up point. Drivers will also drop neighbours at their homes or nearby intersections, providing an added service for the community.