Soweto Derby vs ‘African Derby’: Social Media Debates the Scheduling of Big Matches

• Soweto giants Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs will play on Saturday, November 11
• The second leg of Mamelodi Sundowns' African Football League final is set for the same day
• Kickoffs for the matches are four hours apart but some have called for a compromise in times

Part of football is maximising eyeballs and bodies in stadiums.

The biggest footballing spectacle in Southern Africa collides with Africa's richest footballing contest on what could be a football fan's dream day.

Cult followers of the Soweto derby have thrown jabs on social media at Mamelodi Sundowns fans who think their African Football League (AFL) final should take precedence.

The date for the Soweto derby was set months in advance while the AFL fixtures were only agreed upon a few weeks before the competition began.

Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates are due to kick off at 3.30 pm while the AFL final is set for 7 pm. However, SABC Sport reported that Sundowns are looking to have the match moved to 3 pm.

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Some fans have attempted to place the Soweto derby above the new continental tournament.

The inaugural AFL is a precursor to an expanded 22-team competition that will begin in 2024. The winners of this year's eight-team knockout tournament are set to receive $4 million, roughly R75 million.

The concluding match of the new competition is rumoured to be drawing important international figures. CAF President Patrice Motsepe will welcome FIFA President Gianni Infantino and other dignitaries.

Motsepe is, of course, the owner of Sundowns and Soweto fans are distrusting of the influence the mining magnate has.

Many have stated on social media that the games should go ahead as scheduled and let the supporters decide which of them they wish to attend.

Should the kickoff times remain four hours apart, thousands more will be able to watch both games live on television, and some could even take the 77km drive between FNB Stadium and Loftus Versfeld to catch both matches.

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Sports Brief recently compiled a guide to this weekend's Carling Knockout Cup action.

The showpiece fixtures of the event will be a doubleheader at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Three teams from KZN will feature in Durban with Orlando Pirates as the visiting team.