Former Orlando Pirates coach Rodger de Sa has said that showboating should be allowed in Saturday’s Soweto Derby if one team is clearly winning. He believes a bit of flair has a place in the big match between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium.

De Sa spoke about the special nature of the Soweto Derby. He remembered playing in a Swallows versus Pirates game years ago and said those matches were always huge. As a coach, he never needed to push his Pirates players extra hard before a derby. The occasion itself was enough.

“You only do showboating if you are winning, and you are winning convincingly,” De Sa said. “There’s a time and a place for it.” He added that a little spice in the game excites the crowd and motivates the players. In his view, this kind of play is part of South African football and should not be taken away from the derby.

The former coach pointed out that the Soweto Derby grew from township street football where “Kasi Flava” was born. Fans have always loved players who could entertain with skill. Names such as Jomo Sono, Doctor Khumalo and others became heroes because they brought that style to the biggest stage. De Sa believes a derby without some flair would lose part of its identity for the thousands who fill FNB Stadium.

Saturday’s match kicks off at 15:30. Both Pirates and Chiefs will want three points, but De Sa thinks the winning side should still be free to express themselves once the result looks safe. He said showboating can light up the game without taking away from the competitive edge.

De Sa’s comments come as anticipation builds for one of South Africa’s most watched fixtures. Supporters on both sides know the rivalry runs deep, yet many also enjoy the skill and personality that players can show on the day. The former coach’s message is clear: keep the passion, keep the intensity, but leave room for the flair that has always made the Soweto Derby special.

Source: https://x.com/KickOffMagazine/status/2115458842075033710