An Orlando Pirates supporter from Nigeria will watch the Soweto Derby in Johannesburg after South African football fans raised more than R40,000 to make her long-held ambition possible.
Miracle Ebubechi Michael, widely known as Mimi or Anoda Mirakle, will attend the meeting between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on Saturday, 31 October.
The match sold out within eight hours last week, making the fundraising effort crucial to the Nigerian fan’s plans to travel to South Africa.
Although Mimi is an Orlando Pirates superfan, supporters of rivals Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns are also reported to have contributed to the crowdfunding campaign.
The appeal was launched to pay for her journey from Nigeria to Johannesburg. It received backing from the Orlando Pirates Supporters Forum, while the Zodwa Khoza Foundation has offered to provide accommodation for Mimi and her partner during their stay.
The support has turned what appeared to be a distant possibility into a confirmed opportunity for Mimi to see one of African football’s best-known rivalries in person.
Her visit is expected to involve more than the match itself. Organisers have reportedly prepared an itinerary that will introduce her to some of South Africa’s cultural landmarks, including Vilakazi Street in Soweto.
She is also due to make a formal visit to the Premier Soccer League offices as part of the programme arranged for her time in the country.
Mimi has added to the anticipation surrounding the trip with a playful challenge linked to the rivalry between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs.
In a social media video, she promised to make an extraordinary journey if Kaizer Chiefs win the derby.
“If Kaizer Chiefs beat Pirates in the Soweto Derby, I will walk all the way back to Nigeria on foot!” she said.
The remark reflects the banter that is a central part of the Soweto Derby, while the fundraising campaign has brought together supporters from different clubs to help a Nigerian fan attend the fixture.
Mimi will now travel to Johannesburg with the financial target surpassed, accommodation arranged and additional visits planned around her long-awaited experience of the derby.
