Former Orlando Pirates and Moroka Swallows coach Roger De Sa believes showboating should be allowed during Saturday’s Soweto Derby, arguing that players should be free to express themselves on the pitch when their team is winning comfortably.

De Sa shared his views ahead of the highly anticipated clash between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, one of the biggest fixtures in South African football. His comments have brought attention to the debate over whether players should be allowed to use skills and tricks to entertain supporters during such a high-pressure encounter.

Reflecting on his own experience of the Soweto Derby, De Sa explained that he understood the significance of the occasion, having previously been involved in a match between Moroka Swallows and Orlando Pirates.

“I played a Soweto Derby myself. A Swallows v Pirates match was massive in my time. You only do showboating if you are winning, and you are winning convincingly,” De Sa said.

His remarks suggest that showboating should not necessarily be viewed negatively, particularly when a team has established a comfortable advantage over its opponents.

Showboating has long been part of football, with players using tricks, dribbling skills and other forms of flair to entertain supporters and unsettle opponents.

However, these displays can sometimes create tension, especially during high-profile matches where emotions are already running high. Opposing players and supporters may interpret certain tricks as disrespectful, particularly when the scoreline is close.

De Sa’s position appears to be that the score should play an important role in determining when such displays are appropriate. In his view, players should demonstrate their skills when their team is comfortably ahead rather than risk provoking opponents during a closely contested match.

His comments also highlight the entertainment aspect of football, where individual brilliance and creativity can add excitement to an already intense contest.

The Soweto Derby between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs attracts considerable attention from football supporters across South Africa and beyond.

Beyond the three points at stake, the fixture carries historical significance and intense rivalry, with both clubs eager to claim bragging rights over their opponents.

Players are therefore expected to balance individual expression with discipline and tactical responsibility. A moment of skill can delight supporters, but it can also provoke a reaction from opponents if it is perceived as an attempt to humiliate them.

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