Biggest Derbies In African Football: A Dive Into The Heart Of The Game
- The much-anticipated first Soweto Derby of the 2024-25 Betway Premiership season is set to kick off on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at the iconic FNB Stadium.
- Two legendary Soweto-based teams, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, will lock horns in a battle for not just three crucial Premier Soccer League points, but also the pride of their passionate fanbases.
- While this clash between the PSL giants ranks among the most significant club derbies in African football, it doesn't secure the top spot in Briefly News' rankings of the continent's biggest rivalries.
From the bustling streets of Africa to the grand stages of Europe, derbies are where the passion of football truly comes alive. Just like the Madrid derby, Manchester derby, Milan derby, Merseyside derby, and North London derby in Europe, African football boasts its own set of fiercely contested rivalries that capture the hearts of millions.
Derbies are more than just football matches—they're emotional battles that pit clubs from the same city against each other. For fans, these games are about more than just the scoreline; they're about claiming bragging rights and asserting dominance over their city. This weekend, the attention of South African football fans will be firmly on the FNB Stadium as Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates prepare for the first Soweto derby of the season.
Both teams are hungry for a victory, but for the Sea Robbers, the stakes are higher. Orlando Pirates are on a mission to end Mamelodi Sundowns' stranglehold on the league, which has lasted since the 2017-18 season. As the tension builds, Briefly News takes you through the top five biggest derbies in African football, showcasing the drama, history, and passion that define these clashes.
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Top 5 Biggest Derbies in African Club Football
5. Dar Es Salaam Derby
Tanzania's capital city, Dar Es Salaam, is home to one of Africa's most thrilling rivalries. The Dar Es Salaam derby pits Young Africans (Yanga SC) against Simba SC, two of the most successful clubs in the Tanzanian league. This derby transcends the boundaries of the city, drawing fans from across East Africa who flock to witness the spectacle. Known as the Kariakoo Derby, this rivalry dates back to the mid-1960s, with the first encounter taking place in the league. The passion and intensity of this clash make it a must-see event for any football enthusiast.
4. Tunis Derby
In North Africa, the Tunis derby stands out as one of the region's most storied rivalries. Played between Esperance de Tunis and Club Africain, this derby captures the imagination of football fans across Tunisia and beyond. The match is traditionally held at the Hammadi Agrebi Stadium due to its capacity to accommodate the massive turnout of supporters. The rivalry began in the 1923-1924 season when both teams competed in the same division. The last encounter between the two sides ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw in December 2024, leaving fans eager for the next chapter in this ongoing saga.
3. Casablanca Derby
When Raja Athletic Club and Wydad Athletic Club clash in the Casablanca derby, the entire Moroccan city comes to a standstill. This derby is renowned for its intense atmosphere, with the stadium buzzing with energy as fans from both sides create a spectacle that's both electrifying and unforgettable. Both clubs have made their mark on the continent, claiming three CAF Champions League titles each. However, Wydad Athletic Club, known as the Red Castles, holds the edge with more league titles compared to Raja Athletic Club, the Green Eagles. This season, Rulani Mokwena experienced the derby for the first time, but the match ended in a tense 1-1 draw.
2. Soweto Derby
The Soweto derby is a cornerstone of South African football, capturing the imagination of fans across the nation and beyond. This derby pits two of the most iconic clubs in the country—Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates—against each other in a battle for supremacy. Both teams are based in Soweto, a suburb of Johannesburg, and their rivalry dates back to January 24, 1970. Often referred to as "El Kasico," this derby is more than just a football match; it's a cultural phenomenon that resonates deeply with fans. Despite Mamelodi Sundowns' dominance in the Betway Premiership, the Soweto derby remains the most anticipated fixture on the league calendar each season. The last encounter ended in a dramatic 3-2 victory for the Sea Robbers, but this Saturday's match could rewrite the script.
1. Cairo Derby
Topping the list of Africa's biggest derbies is the Cairo derby, a clash between Al Ahly and Zamalek, two giants of Egyptian football. This derby is not just about football; it's a battle for the soul of Egypt's capital city. The rivalry has been marred by violence in the past, leading to some matches being played behind closed doors. Al Ahly, often referred to as the Red Devils, is widely regarded as the most successful club in Africa, boasting an impressive 43 league titles and 11 CAF Champions League crowns. Zamalek, while trailing in terms of silverware, refuses to back down, ensuring that each derby is a battle for pride and history.
Kaizer Chiefs Faces a Major Setback Ahead of Soweto Derby
In a setback for Kaizer Chiefs ahead of their eagerly awaited clash with Orlando Pirates, the Glamour Boys will be without one of their star players for the Soweto derby. This development, reported earlier by Briefly News, could significantly impact their chances of securing a vital victory at the FNB Stadium this weekend. As the stakes grow higher, fans from both sides are bracing for a spectacle that promises to deliver drama, passion, and unforgettable moments.
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