For members of the Kaizer Chiefs branch from Midrand, the upcoming derby in Soweto will be significant not only from a football perspective. It will be an opportunity to strengthen friendships, share a meal, and bring together fans of competing teams.
To avoid traffic jams, traveling members of the group plan to start the day early. They will gather at 10 am at Shoprite YaRona in Kaffrfontein before heading to the FNB stadium.
On site, they will coordinate the day's plan and travel logistics. Although the main group consists of Chiefs fans, it is also open to supporters of fierce rivals Orlando Pirates and neutral spectators, including Mamelodi Sundowns supporters.
The primary task in the morning is ensuring everyone has valid tickets for the match. The branch solves this complex issue through collaboration and advance planning to avoid violating game rules through the sale of counterfeit or over-capacity tickets.
The branch secretary, Pumza Kiki, told IOL Sport that 'we always know that tickets are a problem, so we make it a mission to use the branch funds for bulk ticket purchases.' She added that the system creates difficulties due to restrictions allowing one person to buy only four tickets at a time. Therefore, they distribute tasks by involving spouses and partners, combining numbers to secure the required amount.
Their efforts did not stop there. On Friday, the branch sent its members to sponsor events in Soweto to obtain additional tickets. Kiki explained: 'There was an event at Maponya Mall where our members participated in contests to get free tickets and bring them back. We try to be accommodating and help each other.'
The early gathering serves not only logistical purposes but also provides an opportunity to socialize over food and drinks, which is entirely driven by goodwill. Kiki shared: 'When we travel long distances and across the province, we mostly have women who prepare dumplings and umleqwa [traditional chicken dish].'
She continued: 'Before leaving, we eat everything that has been prepared and share it among ourselves. When the guys go to the store for alcohol, they always make sure to buy non-alcoholic drinks for those who don't drink. All of this is voluntary. No one is forced to spend money. We are like a happy family.'
The branch organized a fleet of seven registered minivans and one H1 to transport the fans. Operators pay a seasonal registration fee of 200 rand, while members contribute an annual fee of 120 rand. The round trip to Calabash costs each passenger 120 rand per day.
Rates are adjusted for matches outside the province: return transport to Polokwane costs 480 rand, to Mbombela — 500 rand, to Durban — 700 rand, and to Gqeberha — 1000 rand, with doors remaining open to rivals.
Kiki emphasized: 'We are the Kaizer Chiefs branch, but we do not close our doors to those who want to travel with us. After all, it's about football fans. It's not just about Kaizer Chiefs.'
Since the final whistle is expected around 5:30 pm at FNB, taxis will take passengers back to the meeting point in Kaffrfontein. As an extra courtesy, drivers will also drop off neighbors right at their homes or at nearby intersections.
For the Midrand branch, the derby ultimately means more than the result on the field. It is community, friendship, and a shared love for football that goes beyond club allegiances.