Mamelodi Sundowns’ Rulani Mokwena delves into the intricacies of derby clashes, comparing the emotional weight of the Soweto Derby and the rivalry in Tshwane.
This comes as Sundowns gear up to welcome SuperSport United at Loftus Versfeld on Tuesday for their DStv Premiership encounter.
Having witnessed the intense showdown between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, Mokwena reflects on the profound historical resonance that imbues the Soweto Derby, a sentiment he experienced first-hand from the dugout. “It’s difficult to compare the derbies because the Soweto Derby has a lot of history, while the Tshwane Derby doesn’t have much history,” Mokwena remarked to media, elucidating the contrasting emotional landscapes.
Sundowns seek to maintain their dominance against SuperSport, a side they haven’t succumbed to since 2 September 2022 in the DStv Premiership when they lost 2-1. Mokwena emphasized the essence of rivalry, stating, “It’s a rivalry, that’s why it’s called the derby. And over the years, both teams have been extremely successful, especially in the present history.”
Drawing parallels with iconic clashes like the Milan Derby and the Rome Derby, Mokwena underlines the unique dynamics at play in each encounter, shaped by both historical legacy and recent successes. “Of course, a derby is a derby … everyone wants to dominate and have the bragging rights of a city,” he asserted.
Sundowns’ recent victory against Chippa United showcased their form, with Teboho Mokoena and Tashreeq Matthews securing a 2-0 win. Mokwena commended his squad’s performance, noting their improvement from the previous season. “It was a very good team effort in the first half,” he praised, acknowledging their resilience despite occasional lapses.
Looking ahead, the football calendar brims with anticipation as fixtures unfold, promising exhilarating clashes across various tournaments.
Upcoming Fixtures:
Tuesday: Sundowns v SuperSport, Loftus Versfeld (19h30)
Nedbank Cup:
Wednesday: AmaTuks v Swallows, Tuks (19h00)
Thursday: Sekhukhune v AmaZulu, Peter Mokaba Stadium (19h00)
Friday: Milford v Stellenbosch, Princess Magogo (19h00)
Saturday: Chippa v Ravens, Buffalo City (15h00); Bay v SuperSport, King Zwelithini (15h00); Pirates v Lions, Orlando (18h00)
Sunday: D’General v Galaxy, Free State, Sundowns v Maritzburg, Lucas Moripe (18h00).