Soweto Derby Set for High-Stakes Showdown at FNB Stadium
One of South Africa’s most iconic football rivalries will take center stage once again when Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates clash in a Betway Premiership Soweto Derby at FNB Stadium on Saturday, 3 May.
This edition of the derby carries three layers of significance beyond the usual battle for bragging rights.
First, Kaizer Chiefs are desperate to snap a six-game winless streak in the league. Their most recent setback was a 2-1 defeat to Marumo Gallants, leaving them ninth on the table—level on points with eighth-placed Chippa United but behind on goal difference and having played one more match. A top-eight finish, and with it a place in next season’s MTN8, hangs in the balance.
Second, Orlando Pirates are clinging to hopes of chasing down league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, but those hopes took a major hit on Wednesday night. A 1-0 home loss to Sekhukhune United saw them fall 12 points behind the Brazilians, who have also played two more games.
Third, and most intriguingly, this match serves as a dress rehearsal for the upcoming Nedbank Cup final, where the two teams will meet again on Saturday, 10 May, at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
Chiefs head into the derby with defensive problems. Rushwin Dortley is out for the season, and both Inacio Miguel and Given Msimango remain doubtful. Up front, Wandile Duba will miss out due to suspension after accumulating yellow cards.
Pirates also face a defensive blow, with Nkosinathi Sibisi suspended following a red card in their loss to Sekhukhune United.
Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi expressed concern over his team’s form and mindset heading into the crucial week.
“Sometimes you feel like some players are giving up. We cannot dwell on the past—we have two games that can still save our season. Everyone needs to reflect honestly and come together in preparation,” said Nabi.
“It’s not just the results; we’ve lost our way of playing. That’s what troubles me most.”
Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro lamented his side’s lack of composure following their midweek loss:
“We were in control before the goal, and then everything changed. After Sekhukhune scored, we became disorganised and lacked ideas. The reaction was poor, and we didn’t create enough to earn an equaliser.”
This will be the 79th league meeting between Chiefs and Pirates since 1985. Chiefs hold the historical advantage with 31 wins, while Pirates have 19, and 28 matches have ended in draws.
However, recent form favours the Buccaneers, who have won the last three league derbies in a row. Their most recent victory came in February—a narrow 1-0 win sealed by a last-minute penalty from Patrick Maswanganyi.
With history, pride, league points, and a cup final looming, this Soweto Derby promises to be one of the most emotionally charged in recent memory.
