In a week of derbies across the DStv Premiership, Rulani Mokwena has spoken about this week’s Tshwane Derby and comparisons with the Soweto Derby.
Log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns will take on Gavin Hunt’s SuperSport United on Tuesday, and Mokwena has said that while the Tshwane Derby does not have the history of the Soweto Derby, the rivalry is there, especially considering the success of both clubs in recent history.
“It’s very difficult to compare because the Soweto Derby has history,” Mokwena said after his team beat Chippa United to extend their lead at the top of the league.
“And we all know that. But that’s what may be the Tshwane Derby does not have that much – is the history.
“But I think in terms of the emotions and the rivalry for sure it is there. It’s a rivalry and that’s why it’s called the Derby.
“And over the years both teams have been extremely successful, especially in the in the previous recent history. There’s a lot of titles that are shared between SuperSport and Mamelodi Sundowns, both in the league and in terms of cups.
“So the prestige is there. The emotional connotation is there, so it’s difficult to compare because the one has where you would say you have the emotions on a historical background, and the other one has the emotions from the recent success of both teams.
“But I would say you can’t [compare], because then you you go into a space where you compare the Milan derby, for example, to a game between Roma and Lazio, for an example.
“It’s completely different but of course the derby is a derby and everybody wants to dominate and have the bragging rights of the city.”
