Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Tyren Arendse has shared an interesting behind-the-scenes account of the Soweto Derby, revealing how club chairman Irvin Khoza once contacted the players directly while they were inside the dressing room.

Speaking to KickOff, Arendse reflected on his experiences during one of South African football's biggest and most fiercely contested fixtures, offering an insight into the atmosphere, pressure and expectations surrounding matches between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs.

Arendse recalled an occasion when Khoza made a phone call to the team while the players were still in the changing room. The former Pirates player said the call came at a significant moment, highlighting the importance the club's leadership attached to the derby.

"We received Khoza's phone call right inside the change room," Arendse revealed, recalling the memorable experience.

The revelation provides a glimpse into the level of involvement and motivation that surrounded the Buccaneers during the intense rivalry with their Soweto neighbours.

The Soweto Derby is widely regarded as one of Africa's biggest football rivalries, attracting enormous attention from supporters and generating intense competition whenever the two Johannesburg giants meet.

Beyond the three points at stake, the fixture carries significant emotional and historical importance for both clubs, with players often facing enormous pressure to deliver performances that will be remembered by their respective supporters.

For Orlando Pirates, victories over Kaizer Chiefs are particularly important because of the pride and bragging rights associated with the rivalry.

Arendse's recollection offers a reminder of the unique experiences players encounter when representing the Buccaneers in the famous derby and the influence that club leadership can have behind the scenes.

His account also highlights how moments away from the pitch can become lasting memories for footballers who have experienced the intensity of the Soweto Derby firsthand.

SOURCE