Booysen is set to taste an all new derby experience when Amakhosi take on Orlando Pirates in the first meeting between the two sides for the season.
Having previously turned out for Mamelodi Sundowns and SuperSport United and experienced the Tshwane derby, as well as the Cape derby with Ajax Cape Town against Cape Town City, the 30-year-old sweeper is already convinced that this is the biggest of them all.
“Derbies are something special, they are about pride and about bragging rights. There is a lot at stake. It’s about two teams coming from the same town or area and who wants to dominate,” he told his club’s website.
“I have been involved in a few derbies in the past. For example, the Tshwane derby between SuperSport United and Mamelodi Sundowns [and] the Cape Town derby between Ajax Cape Town and Cape Town City. Of course, nothing is bigger than the Soweto Derby.”
With Chiefs coach Giovanni Solinas employing a rotation policy, Booysen is unaware of what role he will have to play on Saturday but counts himself privileged to merely be part of the occasion.
“To be part of the Soweto Derby is what all players want. It’s the [ultimate], because the whole country comes to a standstill during that game,” he added.
“Of course, I don’t know if I will play, sit on the bench or be in the stands come Saturday – it doesn’t matter, just to be part of the Soweto Derby will be something amazing.
“Those are the moments every South African footballer lives for. It’s like playing for a cup trophy, it’s something incredible and I will cherish it.
“For sure, we all want to win. In the end it’s all about the team, so it doesn’t matter really in what way I will be involved on Saturday. I want to contribute to the team in whatever role.
“I can’t wait for the Soweto Derby to kick off, it will be a memorable moment!”