Kaizer Chiefs left FNB Stadium with mixed emotions after their 1-1 draw against Orlando Pirates, but much of the attention around the match was already set before kick-off.
The game was delayed twice, and tensions rose during warm-ups when scuffles broke out on the pitch, forcing players to briefly leave the field. Although order was eventually restored, the situation left a sour feeling heading into one of the biggest fixtures in African football.
For Chiefs, the focus eventually returned to football, but the build-up remained a talking point even after the final whistle.
KAIZER CHIEFS QUESTION PRE-MATCH INCIDENTS
Co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef was clear that what happened before the match should never be part of the spectacle.
“I’m not from South Africa but I know how many people watch the game, how many people were waiting, how many calls I received, they asked where they can watch the game,” the Tunisian said.
“And I think what happened before the game is something we can’t accept. We are sending a bad picture about our football,” he added.
ORLANDO PIRATES GAME PLAN RESPECTED BY CHIEFS
Once the football started, Chiefs executed their plan with discipline, especially in how they dealt with Orlando Pirates’ attacking threats between the lines.
“People are waiting to see the football, but what we saw before the game we can’t accept. I think if you want to win the league, if you want to lead the teams, you have to win with football, not like that.
“It’s about safety, we spoke about safety. People from outside come and fight with our players, in our warm-up in our half.
“I think this kind of think is a shame, we can’t accept this kind of situation. Like I said if you want to win the league, win it with football and then people will say you deserve to win the league. Not like that you can win the league,” he added.
Youssef later praised his side’s tactical discipline and effort, insisting they also deserved more from the match.
WAS THE SOWETO DERBY OVERSHADOWED BEFORE IT EVEN STARTED?
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