While many players and coaches will publicly say they prepare for it like any other game, there's always something different about Derby week.
Players change hairstyles, some arrive for training earlier than usual, bets are made and others try to avoid being tackled by the defenders in training.
There's always a funny or interesting story to tell about Derby week, so snl24.com/kickoff has tracked down a few former players from both Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs.
Here ex-Bucs winger Dikgang Mabalane tells a story of how the Derby always stopped him from eating junk food.
"I always changed my diet on the week of the day. Magwinya [vetkoeks], chips and kotas [bunnychow] wait a bit on Derby week. Those are the things I like eating, but when it's Derby week I stop. You start eating mince and pasta. You don't want any mistakes on Derby week like having a stomach ache or anything like that.
"There could be games before the Derby, but players are more focused on the Derby. Never mind the other games, people talk about the Derby. You'd find that in training players are going in hard with tackles and you are surprised at what's happening. They are not smiling and the intensity is changed. People who are always at the back with warm-ups are now the ones taking the lead. That's what the Derby does. No player wants to miss it because it's a historical fixture. People who had injuries are now fine. The dressing room is full and the training ground is full as well. We just had to make sure no one kicks us in training.
"Hairstyles were also a big thing on the week of the Derby. You'll see on Friday night in camp people have new haircuts and other people dye their hair. It was always a big occasion for us players."