Kaizer Chiefs lost the derby, but the performance might give Fernando da Cruz extra time

The head coach of Orlando Pirates, Abdelslam Waddu, admitted that his tactical decisions nearly led to his team's defeat in the Soweto Derby, despite the Buccaneers winning against Kaizer Chiefs with a score of 2-1.

Pirates needed a goal from Tshapanga Moremi in the second half to gain the advantage at FNB Stadium on Saturday after a difficult first half against their fierce rivals.

The Buccaneers were unexpectedly disoriented by the tactical approach of Chiefs, and many believe the home team was lucky to go into the break with a low score of 1-1.

Amakhosi had several chances to take control of the match, but their inability to convert these moments ultimately came at a high price for them.

Instead of blaming the players, Waddu took full responsibility for Pirates' difficulties in the first half, stating that his attempt to surprise Chiefs with a tactical change was unsuccessful.

He noted: 'I think we planned something in the first half, maybe some surprises, but I think I will take one. For the first time, I won't blame the players. The coach should be blamed for the first half,' he said.

He also added: 'I made a mistake. I tried to surprise the opponent with a tactical choice that turned out to be inaccurate, so I think coach Waddu put his team in trouble today. I could have cost the team the game, but thank God we went into the break with a score of 1-1.'

The Pirates coach also acknowledged that Chiefs had enough opportunities to make the derby unattainable for his team before the break.

Waddu believes that the missed chances gave Pirates the opportunity to regroup and ultimately punish their opponents after the restart.

He emphasized: 'Kaizer Chiefs had the chance to end the game in the first half. Probably the score should have been 3-1 if they had taken their chances, but unfortunately, they didn't. I always say, if you don't finish the game, you give your opponents a chance to finish it, and we finished them in the second half.'

Moremi scored the decisive goal in the 55th minute after Tapelo Mokobodi broke through Chiefs' high defensive line and set up the winger for his fifth goal of the Betway Premiership season.

This victory brings an important result for Pirates in one of South Africa's biggest football events, and Waddu's admission provided a rare insight into the tactical decisions behind this derby.

The rivalry between the Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs teams in the Soweto Derby has an interesting connection to France, as coaches Abdeslam Wadee and Fernando da Cruz brought different experiences gained in France to South African football.

In addition to these two head coaches, a familiar face is present in the Chiefs' technical staff who previously worked with Wadee. Chiefs' fitness coach and translator, Julian Leeran, worked with the Pirates' coach during his time at Congolese giant AS Vita Club, creating a direct professional link between the two camps ahead of Saturday's derby.

Wadee managed Vita Club in 2024, after which he moved to Marumo Gallants, and then to Pirates. The presence of Leeran in Chiefs adds another interesting aspect to the rivalry, especially considering his previous working relationship with the Moroccan coach.

Both head coaches also have their own background in French football. Wadee was born in Morocco but moved to France in early childhood and grew up in Jarville-la-Malgrande, near Nancy, where his football journey began before he joined AS Nancy-Lorraine.

The former Moroccan national team player had an extensive career in France, playing for clubs such as Nancy, Rennes, and Valenciennes, and also had periods playing in England, Greece, and Qatar. His time at Valenciennes is particularly relevant in the context of Da Cruz's experience.

Chiefs coach Da Cruz was born in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, in the Lille metropolis in northern France, and built most of his coaching reputation through work in French football. He worked at Lille in various capacities, focusing on player scouting and youth development, before leading the club's reserve squad. His experience also includes a period with Belgian club Royal Excel Mouscron.

For members of the Kaizer Chiefs branch from Midrand, the upcoming derby in Soweto will be significant not only from a football perspective. It will be an opportunity to strengthen friendships, share a meal, and bring together fans of competing teams.

To avoid traffic jams, traveling members of the group plan to start the day early. They will gather at 10 am at Shoprite YaRona in Kaffrfontein before heading to the FNB stadium.

On site, they will coordinate the day's plan and travel logistics. Although the main group consists of Chiefs fans, it is also open to supporters of fierce rivals Orlando Pirates and neutral spectators, including Mamelodi Sundowns supporters.

The primary task in the morning is ensuring everyone has valid tickets for the match. The branch solves this complex issue through collaboration and advance planning to avoid violating game rules through the sale of counterfeit or over-capacity tickets.

The branch secretary, Pumza Kiki, told IOL Sport that 'we always know that tickets are a problem, so we make it a mission to use the branch funds for bulk ticket purchases.' She added that the system creates difficulties due to restrictions allowing one person to buy only four tickets at a time. Therefore, they distribute tasks by involving spouses and partners, combining numbers to secure the required amount.

Their efforts did not stop there. On Friday, the branch sent its members to sponsor events in Soweto to obtain additional tickets. Kiki explained: 'There was an event at Maponya Mall where our members participated in contests to get free tickets and bring them back. We try to be accommodating and help each other.'

The early gathering serves not only logistical purposes but also provides an opportunity to socialize over food and drinks, which is entirely driven by goodwill. Kiki shared: 'When we travel long distances and across the province, we mostly have women who prepare dumplings and umleqwa [traditional chicken dish].'

She continued: 'Before leaving, we eat everything that has been prepared and share it among ourselves. When the guys go to the store for alcohol, they always make sure to buy non-alcoholic drinks for those who don't drink. All of this is voluntary. No one is forced to spend money. We are like a happy family.'

The branch organized a fleet of seven registered minivans and one H1 to transport the fans. Operators pay a seasonal registration fee of 200 rand, while members contribute an annual fee of 120 rand. The round trip to Calabash costs each passenger 120 rand per day.

Rates are adjusted for matches outside the province: return transport to Polokwane costs 480 rand, to Mbombela — 500 rand, to Durban — 700 rand, and to Gqeberha — 1000 rand, with doors remaining open to rivals.

Kiki emphasized: 'We are the Kaizer Chiefs branch, but we do not close our doors to those who want to travel with us. After all, it's about football fans. It's not just about Kaizer Chiefs.'

Since the final whistle is expected around 5:30 pm at FNB, taxis will take passengers back to the meeting point in Kaffrfontein. As an extra courtesy, drivers will also drop off neighbors right at their homes or at nearby intersections.

For the Midrand branch, the derby ultimately means more than the result on the field. It is community, friendship, and a shared love for football that goes beyond club allegiances.