Kaizer Chiefs v Moroka Swallows - the rivalry

Kaizer Chiefs’ rivalry with Moroka Swallows might have none of the historic undertones that underpin their adversarial relationship with Orlando Pirates, but it is still one of the longest and alluring in the history of South African football.

Chiefs versus Swallows has been played for as long as Chiefs have been taking on Pirates and the pair have provided some of the great games over the years.

None more so than the JPS Knockout Cup (now Carling Knockout) in 1986 where an estimated crowd of around 80 000 crammed into Ellis Park for the second leg of the final, unofficially then the largest attendance in South African soccer.

It was a closely fought affair that Chiefs edged 2-1 on aggregate and an awesome display of the attraction of the local game on supporters when the most popular clubs are all in top form.

Swallows will be hosting Chiefs this Sunday at Dobsonville Stadium in the latest instalment of a rivalry that began back in 1971 when the Birds were still known as Moroka Swallows Big XV. Both clubs were inaugural members of the National Professional Soccer League and competed against each other every season until 2015 when Swallows were relegated.

During that 44 year span, they put on some thrilling games for the fans, starting with their first meeting in early 1971 in

the R400 Champion of Champions tournament at the Orlando Stadium, which served as a curtain-raiser for the new professional league that was launched two months later. Four clubs took part – Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, Swallows Big XV and Pimville United Brothers – with Chiefs and the Birds meeting in the final, which proved a thriller as Chiefs beat Swallows Big XV 4-3, the winning goal scored by Pule ‘Ace’ Ntsoelengoe a minute from time.

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