Soweto Derby Legends clash scrapped for a second time

Fans hoping to see the icons of Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates roll back the years will have to wait longer after the Soweto Derby Legends match was officially cancelled for the second time.

The exhibition fixture between the two PSL giants, which has been plagued by delays, was scheduled to take place this Sunday, 29 March, at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg. The event was initially set for 7 February but was postponed in hopes of a successful rescheduling.

In a statement released on Thursday, organisers Puzzle Pictures confirmed they had “pulled the plug” on the event, citing circumstances beyond their control.

‘A difficult decision’ to cancel Soweto Derby

The Soweto Derby match carried high stakes for the veteran players; the winners were slated to face an International Legends squad in a high-profile friendly this April. That dream, however, has been put on ice.

“This decision was not made lightly,” Puzzle Pictures said in a statement. “Despite our unwavering commitment and extensive efforts to bring this historic and nostalgic event to life, we have encountered circumstances beyond our control that have made it impossible to proceed as planned.”

The organisers expressed their gratitude to legends like Morgan Gould, Lucky Lekgwathi, and Josta Dladla, who had been training and preparing for the nostalgic showdown.

“To the football legends, your willingness to come together, relive iconic moments, and inspire a new generation is something we deeply appreciate,” the statement continued.

While the “vision” for a legends’ clash remains alive for the future, the immediate concern for many supporters is the hole in their pockets.

Organisers have moved to reassure the public that those who bought tickets will not be left out of pocket. All fans who purchased tickets through Ticketpro will receive full refunds processed directly through the provider.

The cancellation of the Soweto Derby Legends tie marks a disappointing end to a campaign that promised to celebrate South African football heritage, leaving the “Battle of the Giants” in the hands of the current Betway Premiership squads for now.