The rivalry between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns could start to overshadow the Soweto Derby, as the appointees of referees prioritize the game.
With Chiefs not competing for major titles for a number of years, the Soweto Derby clash against Pirates has become more of an event rather a spectacle to look out for.
READ: Pirates Sundowns Discover CAFCL Opponents
Even though Amakhosi and the Buccaneers command the bigger fan bases in the country, the lack of competitive edge has taken the sting out of the rivalry between the sides.
In the last Soweto derby, the Ghost was awarded a last minute penalty, a call which many deemed it controversial but there were no fights (not to condone that behaviour) among the players on opposite ends and fans.
However, the rivalry between Pirates and Sundowns is gaining momentum and is becoming more real on and off the pitch, as former referee Victor Hlungwani has admitted that the games between the sides are more physical and highly charged than the derby.
"If you get Chiefs and Pirates it needs a manager but if you get Sundowns and Pirates, you know a red card can come out. The majority of a Pirates and Sundowns games they have a red card," Hlungwani said on Smash Sports YouTube Channel.
READ: OFFICIAL: Chiefs Pirates Punished By PSL!
"You don't just pick, you must look at the quality (of the referee), can he manage this game? I mean you have Pirates v Chiefs, it's full house. You'll have players talked about mid week, that 'Hey Rele (Mofokeng) is good, (Patrick) Maswanganyi.
"I mean you look at the behaviour, we have reprimanded the likes of Maswanganyi hitting people with elbows, slaps, we reprimanded the likes of (Khuliso) Mudau, (Bathusi) Aubaas, and when we do that, it's not like we're against the person, we're saying look at (your behaviour, it will ruin the game)," Hlungwani revealed.
Tensions will be high again when Pirates host the Brazilians for a return league fixture at Orlando Stadium on 15 March.
