Tshwane derby needs to appeal to the people: Modise

Mmasekepe Matsebane

The Tshwane derby between Mamelodi Sundowns and SuperSport United was tipped to rival the more popular Soweto derby, but recent media reports and attention from fans suggest otherwise.

Optimistic: Mamelodi Sundowns playmaker Teko Modise believes the Tshwane derby has the potential to rival the Soweto derby between Chiefs and Pirates.

The Soweto derby, which takes place on Saturday, is the talk of the town at the moment and not many are aware that Sundowns and United will do battle at the Loftus Stadium a day after the big one at the FNB Stadium.

 Perhaps the attention goes to the Soweto sides as they are the best supported teams in the country.

In the past 10 years, the Brazilians and Matsatsantsa have won five championships between them, the same amount of trophies that Chiefs and Pirates have also claimed in the same period of time.

Sundowns playmaker Teko Modise has played in both derbies and he reckons that what sets the two derbies apart is the support and the pressure that is involved days leading up to the game.

“Ours does not have the same magnitude as the Soweto derby. From an early stage you get people reporting and talking about the one in Soweto because of the long history and rivalry involved, it’s also highly competitive, the two teams want it like nothing else. The Tshwane derby is picking up speed, but it will take a while.

“There is also the pressure of beating Chiefs when you play for Pirates and vice-versa, that’s what sets it apart. You don’t want to disappoint the fans. Everyone is talking about it in the streets, when you meet people, they ask you to win it for them, it’s an occasion that attracts even those who don’t really love football,” said Modise. 

A star for Pirates in the derbies between 2007 and 2011, “The General” is also one of the few players who have featured for both Tshwane sides. 

The 30 year-old was in the books of Downs’ cross-town rivals SuperSport United during the 2006/07 season and he is aware that as an experienced campaigner, he will have to be at his best to boost the profile of their encounter.

The Soweto born player said for the Tshwane derby to gain momentum, both teams have to appeal more to young fans across the country.

“We need to have more coaching clinics and visit our fans more. They have to see us as a part of them, not people they only see on TV. We need to engage with them and also play good football on the day to make them proud of this derby,” said Modise.

mmasekepem@thenewage.co.za