FIFA president Gianni Infantino was left awestruck by the electrifying atmosphere of his first Soweto Derby experience on Saturday Afternoon.
Amidst the fervent chants and vibrant colours that pulsated through a packed FNB Stadium, Infantino found himself captivated by the electrifying atmosphere of a game that divides the whole of SA down the middle.
However, the football on display by both Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates left a lot to be desired. Pirates won the dull derby 1-0, thanks to a strike by Evidence Makgopa to walk away with the three points and Soweto bragging rights.
And Infantino was impressed by the crowd and atmosphere, which left him in awe of the raw passion of African football.
He described the game as “great”, while giving Amakhosi credit for fighting even though they lost. The FIFA president attended the DStv Premiership derby clash along with CAF president Patrice Motsepe, Chiefs marketing manager Jessica Motaung, and SA Sports minister Zizi Kodwa.
GIANNI INFANTINO ENTHRALLED BY ELECTRIC ATMOSPHERE OF SOWETO DERBY
“It was an incredible experience in this Soweto Derby,” said Infantino.“It was the first for me and the fans were incredible. I mean, two teams were fighting until the end and Orlando Pirates won.
“But Kaizer Chiefs put on really a fight but it was a great game. The most emotional was what was happening on the field. e went to the public in the stadium, full house, incredible.
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“I had forgotten how emotional this stadium (FNB Stadium, which was known as Soccer City during the 2010 FIFA World Cup) is and also the city (Johannesburg).
“I mean, I was watching this morning when I arrived [on Saturday] everyone was looking forward to this game. So it was a great game, great atmosphere, passion, incredible and incredible fans.”
The FIFA president was also in SA to watch the inaugural African Football League final at Loftus Stadium and presented the trophy to the champions, Mamelodi Sundowns, who emerged triumphant with a 3-2 aggregate victory over Wydad Casablanca on Sunday.