SOLD OUT! Fans flock to FNB Stadium for Soweto derby knockout bout in Nedbank Cup semi-final

There are three certainties in life: death, taxes and the Soweto derby being sold out.

The sold-out signs went up on Friday morning, a day before Kaizer Chiefs take on the Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup semi-final at FNB Stadium.

It is always a momentous occasion when the two Soweto giants meet, but the league derby in February, which Chiefs won 1-0 through an own goal from Olisah Ndah, only attracted 60 000 fans out of 75 000-odd tickets that went on sale.

It spoke to the middling nature of the teams at the time.

This time, in the 21st Nedbank Cup game between the two teams, the stakes are particularly high. They are vying for a chance at winning silverware in the Nedbank Cup final that will be played at Loftus on 27 May.

Pirates go into Saturday's game on a nine-match unbeaten run since that loss to their rivals, which sealed a league season double defeat and extended an ongoing losing streak to 0-5 against the AmaKhosi.

Chiefs have won seven out of their past nine games since beating Pirates, but their losses to Sekhukhune and Swallows FC, both in Polokwane in what were respective away and home fixtures, may have dented their confidence.

They are looking to end a trophy-less run since 2015.

Spectators are urged to come early. Gates open at 11:00 and kick-off is at 15:00.