Soweto Derby New Date to Avoid Clash with Music Festival

The derby between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs has been rescheduled to Sunday, 26 April. Photo: Supplied

The organisers have rescheduled the big clash between Orlando Pirates and nemesis Kaizer Chiefs next month to avoid a clash with a music festival.

Pirates, who will be the home team, have announced that the Soweto Derby will now take place at FNB Stadium on Sunday, 26 April.

Originally, the match had been scheduled for Saturday, 25 April.

The Buccaneers confirmed the new date on their official social media platforms on Thursday afternoon.

The decision to move the Derby came after the realisation that it would be on the same day as the Music Ultra Festival, which is set for the Nasrec Expo Centre on 25 April, and the event is expected to draw crowds of approximately 20 000. It will feature international acts such as DJ Snake, Afrojack, John Summit, and Axwell.

The Expo Centre is adjacent to the FNB Stadium.

Stadium Management South Africa (SMSA) CEO Bertie Grobbelaar had earlier told the Sowetan newspaper that there would be a meeting with both organisers to discuss the clash.

Grobbelaar had mentioned it would take place on Friday, but a decision was reached earlier to move the Soweto Derby, which usually attracts crowds of nearly 90,000.

It is believed the Soweto Derby taking place on a Sunday would be welcomed by the fans, considering the next day, 27 April, is Freedom Day in South Africa, which is a public holiday.