PICK OF THE SPORT: The Soweto Derby is so much more than just a game of football and you won’t want to miss out on Saturday’s clash, recommends Dylan Bettencourt.
Orlando Pirates face Kaizer Chiefs in a Soweto Derby on Saturday afternoon and there’s more up for grabs than just three points.
In a season where both teams aren’t having the best of times, a win in a game like this can go a long way towards boosting morale.
The Buccaneers are in fifth place in the league with their rivals one spot below them but if the result goes either way, the second-place spot in the league is up for grabs.
Managers of both teams will be letting their players know that a win against their rivals in the biggest game of the season can change their fortunes. That may not be the case, but the managers will want their players to believe it.
Off the field, it means so much for the fans. They will use this game to get bragging rights and restore some confidence in their team.
With 81,000 tickets already booked, a nearly sold-out FNB Stadium is always special.
The game will kick off at 3.30pm on Saturday, live on DStv channel 202 and SABC1.
➤ In the Premier League, perhaps the most important game of the season takes place on Sunday with Manchester City travelling to meet Liverpool.
In a match between first and second, this fixture could all but decide the champions come the end of the season.
With neither side showing signs of slipping up anywhere else, this will be City’s chance to take the top spot in the league.
Liverpool will however do their best to make sure they do not lose their position in the standings.
The clash will commence on Sunday at 5.45pm.
In other games, Manchester United will kick off the weekend against Everton at 2.30pm on Saturday while Arsenal face Brentford at 7pm.
Tottenham take on Aston Villa at 3 pm on Sunday while Chelsea face Newcastle United on Monday at 10pm.
All the Premier League action will be live on DStv channel 203.
➤ Formula 1 returns for the second weekend in a row, with the race once again taking place on a Saturday to accommodate Ramadan, which begins on Sunday.
The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will begin at 7pm with Max Verstappen looking to make it back-to-back race wins to start the season.
The race will be live on DStv channel 215.
➤ England, according to Steve Borthwick, is in the best shape they’ve been in for the entire Six Nations tournament. While he’s not saying straight out that his team can beat Ireland, Borthwick is sounding confident. Unless that’s the sound of desperation. Beating England at Twickenham is never easy, but if anybody can do it, the mighty Ireland team will not let England stand between them and their grand slam hopes.
Wales can’t possibly beat France, can they? Not likely. But you never know. Last time out the sulking French team was lucky to draw with Italy. Not only have France lost key players to injury but Fabien Galthié and his team of drama queens may also have lost interest in the Six Nations altogether. Wales, on the other hand, are ready to take the fight to the French.
Italy versus Scotland, Saturday at 4.15pm
England versus Ireland, Saturday at 6.45pm
Wales versus France, Sunday at 5pm
All matches are on DStv channel 201.
Pictured above: Soweto Derby.
Image source: File
