Should two good friends collide in Soweto Derby, KwaMashu’s loyalties could be divided

Mihlali Baleka

There could be a division in allegiance among the people of KwaMashu, Durban, should two of their own face-off in the Soweto derby at FNB Stadium this weekend.

Orlando Pirates will host arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs in a Betway Premiership clash on Saturday afternoon (3.30pm kick-off).

Three points and bragging rights will be up for grabs, but Thalente Mbatha and Thabo Cele could also face-off for the bragging rights of their respective township, KwaMashu.

Mbatha has been one of Pirates standout performers this season. As such, he is expected to be part of their starting line-up against Amakhosi.

Chiefs, though, could also unleash their new gem, Cele, for this clash, having the 28-year-old join the club on Monday on a three-and-a-half year deal.

The duo of Mbatha and Cele know each other very well. Not only are they from the same township, but they have a strong bond off the pitch as well.

And such is the excitement from the people of KwaMashu that when Chiefs announced Cele, who mutually terminated his contract with Russian top side Fakel Voroneh, they wanted him in the derby.

“I am really happy for him. He’s one person who has always been determined. He’s passionate about football,” said Mbatha, during Pirates’ derby media open day on Tuesday.

“Even when he was playing in Europe, he'd assemble us to train together ekasi (in our township). He's always been pushing.

“Thabo and I grew up in the same environment because we are from the same G-Section in KwaMashu but he's from Area 3 and I am from Area 4.

“I can say that his move to Chiefs has already divided our township because I am seeing people's statuses on WhatsApp already picking sides.”

Despite the looming rivalry between Area 3 and Area 4, Mbatha and Cele will continue to be tight.

“There has always been a healthy rivalry between our areas as far as football is concerned,” Mbatha explained.

“It was always a healthy challenge because we always believed that we could conquer our areas, and they also believed the same when we played games against each other. We normally talk when one person isn't playing to motivate each other.

“Yes, we don't talk every day, but we do video calls now and then, especially to lift each other up when one is going through the most.

“He pushed me to work hard here at Pirates, telling me that I should grab the opportunity with both hands.”