Soweto derby is truly international affair
A total of 98 foreign players from 28 different countries have featured in the Soweto derby since the launch of the Premier Soccer League, giving an international touch to the ‘classico’ of the South African season.
Neighbours Zimbabwe, with 23 players, have produced the most foreign players for the clash between archrivals Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates and there have been players from a further 21 different African countries who have taken to the field in the most anticipated clash of the South African season.
Plus, there have been protagonists from as far afield Australia, Eastern Europe and South America.
Chiefs have never failed to field at least one foreigner in their line-up in every derby since 1996 while Pirates have had a handful of games with an all-South African line-up.
Here is SuperSport.com’s exclusive look at the derby foreigners:
Australia
Players (1)
Kearyn Baccus: Although born in Durban, Baccus emigrated to Australia with his family while still young, playing in France and the A-League before joining Chiefs for three seasons between 2019-2022.
Botswana
Players (2)
Phenyo Mongalo: The dreadlocked winger featured as a substitute in two derbies for Pirates.
Thatayaone Ditlhokwe: Signed after four seasons at SuperSport United, he was an immediate starter for Chiefs but a shoulder injury after the Soweto derby of November 2023 sidelined him thereafter for months.
Goals (0)
Brazil
Players (3)
Caio Macedo: Pirates bought the teenage defender in the hope he might develop into a top talent, but he only started six games and in the 2018 Telkom Knockout semifinal derby came on in stoppage time at the end of the game for a few seconds’ worth of a derby appearance.
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