What’s a Soweto Derby Without Fans? Readers Want Stadiums Opened for Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs Game

• Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs will meet at the Orlando Stadium on 5 March in the DStv Premiership
• The Soweto Derby attracts tens of thousands of fans but won't have supporters in the stadium for the upcoming match
• Readers have also voiced their opinion, calling for stadiums to be opened ahead of the upcoming Soweto Derby

The Soweto Derby between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs is steadily approaching but there's still no news on whether fans will be allowed into stadiums.

The Soweto Derby will take place on 5 March at the Orlando Stadium, Sowetan LIVE confirmed.

The Soweto Derby is one of the most anticipated fixtures on the local footballing calendar and attracts tens of thousands of fans to watch the two teams collide.

However, with no fans allowed in stadiums due to the Covid19 pandemic, the National Football Supporters' Association (NAFSA) has now demanded that fans be allowed into stadiums, Goal.Com confirmed.

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NAFSA will be holding a peaceful protest outside the Orlando stadium prior to the match.

Following the news, readers also had their say, showing support for the calls to allow fans back into stadiums.

Here's what you had to say:

Zintle Mahanqana:

"What's a Soweto Derby without fans? Officials make a plan please."

Mushaisano Manenzhe:

"They hold their meetings at stadiums. But they don't want us to go to the stadium just to watch soccer. Multichoice is gaining a lot from monthly income."

Mphikza Nyembe Ka Dlangalala:

"It's funny how other crowd-pulling gatherings allow people to attend functions but sports is denied. They rather say, vaccinated soccer-loving people should attend."

Immanuel Itsho:

"In this country, no one will listen when you come in peace"

One fan thought it would be safer for Kaizer Chiefs coach, Stuart Baxter, if no fans were let in.

Mjikeni Daki:

"I feel something sorry for Baxter if it passes. Let there be no supporters for safety reasons"

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Another triggered supporters by suggesting that 5 000 fans be let in.

Bradley Cooper:

"Just bring 5 000 fans or so."

Buyile Roqa:

5000?....say you joking man...sport is part of the economic activity and growth in this country. We want it fully packed, the same with rugby and cricket and all other sporting events in this country.

Protest planned for Orlando Pirates versus Kaizer Chiefs Derby, fans want supporters back in stadiums

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that it has been 19 months since fans were allowed into stadiums to watch live football in South Africa, and the National Football Supporters’ Association (NAFSA) has had enough.

NAFSA plans to protest the absence of fans from live games by holding demonstrations outside the Orlando Stadium on the day of the Soweto Derby. The highly anticipated Soweto Derby will take place on 5 March when Orlando Pirates host Kaizer Chiefs.

The Soweto Derby has always been the most-watched football game on the local calendar and in years gone by, close to 90 000 people have packed into stadiums to watch the two teams collide. This year NAFSA wants to protest that no one will be allowed in to see the game.