There’s been much debate surrounding the hyped fixture between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, with the product on the pitch not always living up to the fanfare in the stands.
Last week’s article comparing the goal difference between the Tshwane and Soweto Derby had many tongues wagging, with fans curious to know how goal scoring compares amongst the various derbies around the country.
We have listened to your cries, and below compare the last 10 fixtures (or as far as recently-formed derbies date back) of the six derbies in the Premier Soccer League, with their respective goal scoring ratios.
Cape Derby (*only four fixtures)
Ajax Cape Town wins: 0
Cape Town City wins: 4
Draws: 0
Total goals scored: 6
Average goals per game: 1.5
Goalless draws: 0
Free State Derby
Bloemfontein Celtic wins: 2
Free State Stars wins: 4
Draws: 4
Total goals scored: 19
Average goals per game: 1.9
Goalless draws: 2
KwaZulu-Natal Derby
AmaZulu wins: 6
Golden Arrows wins: 3
Draws: 1
Total goals scored: 25
Average goals per game: 2.5
Goalless draws: 1
Limpopo Derby (*only five fixtures)
Baroka wins: 1
Polokwane City wins: 0
Draws: 4
Total goals scored: 8
Average goals per game: 1.6
Goalless draws: 2
Tshwane Derby
Mamelodi Sundowns wins: 8
SuperSport United wins: 0
Draws: 2
Total goals scored: 25
Average goals per game: 2.5
Goalless draws: 1
Soweto Derby
Kaizer Chiefs wins: 2
Orlando Pirates wins: 2
Draws: 6
Total goals scored: 13
Average goals per game: 1.3
Goalless draws: 4
As seen above, the KwaZulu-Natal and Tshwane derbies have, in recent times, produced the most goals, with 25 netted over the past 10 fixtures across all competitions.
And despite being the traditionally ‘bigger’ derby, in terms of crowd attendance, rivalry, following and history, the Soweto derby has – over the last 10 fixtures – produced the least amount of goals (1.3 per game), the most draws and most goalless stalemates in comparison to the other six derbies around the country.
Whether this is a result of a decline in scoring form, an evenly-matched contest or apprehension to make mistakes on the big stage, it is a matter that can forever be discussed.
But fans and neutrals alike will hope the goal-shy trend in the Soweto derby will be bucked this Saturday at FNB Stadium.
Kick-off is set for 15h30.