Once again, the age-old debate around muti in South African football has surfaced—this time following one of the country’s most anticipated fixtures: the Soweto Derby.
Fans didn’t just focus on the final score; many couldn’t help but notice some odd behavior before the match between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.
Although Kaizer Chiefs had the home ground advantage at FNB Stadium, they walked away with a 2-1 loss, sparking more than just disappointment—suspicion was in the air too.
What Was Going On at the Goalposts?
In the lead-up to the big game on Saturday, May 3, a strange scene caught the attention of fans and social media users alike.
A man dressed in Kaizer Chiefs gear was seen near the goalposts, seemingly tampering with them during a pre-match inspection.
This short clip quickly made the rounds online, and speculation took off.
Was he a Chiefs staffer? Or, as some claimed, was this actually Orlando Pirates’ supposed sangoma in disguise, trying to cast—or perhaps neutralize—spiritual influence?
Is It Really Muti… Or Just Mind Games?
While some viewers insisted the man was a Chiefs official trying to “cleanse” the area of any possible rituals left by their rivals, others were sure they saw the handiwork of Pirates’ traditional healer.
Either way, it added yet another chapter to the long-standing rumors of muti being used in South African football.
The use of spiritual or supernatural methods in the sport isn’t new—and Pirates, in particular, have often found themselves at the center of these conversations.
Orlando Pirates: Regulars in the Spotlight
Back in March, more muti-related whispers surrounded Orlando Pirates when they arrived at FNB Stadium for their clash with Mamelodi Sundowns.
Photos from that day showed the entire squad inspecting the pitch in matching brown Adidas outfits.
What caught fans’ eyes wasn’t just the uniforms—it was how each player had one fist clenched tightly.
Social media lit up with theories that they were holding muti.
The team’s next stop? The goalpost area, of course.
A viral tweet by a Sundowns supporter added fuel to the fire:
“Everyone is holding muti in their hands,” it read.
Meanwhile, another spectator claimed to spot a man—believed to be the same alleged sangoma—scattering something unidentifiable on the field.
Muti in Football: Belief or Bluff?
So the big question remains: Do PSL clubs really rely on muti to gain an edge? Or is it just a psychological tactic to throw off the opposition—or stir up the fans?
Whether you’re a believer, a skeptic, or just entertained by the drama, one thing’s for sure: the mystique of muti keeps adding extra spice to South African football.