ENTERTAINMENT
in rival colours
BY VENECIA VALENTINE
IN THE PREGUEIRO HOME, FOOTBALL ISN’ T JUST ENTERTAINMENT. IT’ S A RIVALRY. AWARD-WINNING CREATORS MIGUEL AND ASHLEY SUPPORT OPPOSITE MANCHESTER GIANTS: MANCHESTER UNITED AND MANCHESTER CITY, TURNING EVERY DERBY INTO A LIVING-ROOM SHOWDOWN.
When the Manchester Derby rolls around, their living room transforms into a friendly battleground. One half erupts with joy at every United attack, while the other celebrates City goals with equal enthusiasm. Allegiance switching is not an option.
Miguel admits he didn’ t initially realise how serious Ashley’ s loyalty was.“ I only really took it seriously when she bought her first Manchester City shirt early in our relationship,” he laughs.“ I thought it was a joke … and yet here we are. She was too far gone.”
Ashley, however, has no plans of crossing to the red side of the city.“ The red side has always been his,” she says with a grin.“ You will not find me there.”
FUN FACT
Miguel also supports Kaizer Chiefs, and Ashley supports their arch-rival, Orlando Pirates.
The couple share the same couch though, by their own admission, they sit at opposite ends like rival managers in the dugout.
Despite the fierce banter, they have a healthy approach to the rivalry. Celebrations aren’ t restricted, even if one partner is cheering a little too loudly.“ It’ s all part of the fun,” Ashley says.
There have even been a few derby bets over the years. Miguel once lost and had to wear a Manchester City jersey on the journey home from Manchester to South Africa, a moment Ashley still finds hilarious.
Of course, football has sparked the occasional argument, but the couple keeps its perspective.“ At the end of the day, we’ re on the same team in life,” Ashley says.
If their relationship were a football scoreline?“ Five-five,” they agree. Always competitive. Always entertaining. Always equal in the end. IB
Derby day in their home is a mix of nerves and playful trash talk. Ashley insists Miguel is always the louder one during matches.“ He believes they’ re going to win no matter the form. I prefer to stay a bit humbler,” she says.
DESCRIBE YOUR PARTNER’ S CLUB:
Ashley:“ Historians” Miguel:“ Bridesmaids”
30 INBOUND SA / APRIL 2026