All eyes will be at FNB Stadium on Saturday, 1 February when South Africa’s biggest football rivalry takes centre stage with bragging rights on the line. Orlando Pirates will battle Kaizer Chiefs in the first instalment of the Soweto Derby for the 2024/25 season.
The Buccaneers have enjoyed a good start to the season and have been hard at work to disrupt the plans of Mamelodi Sundowns, who are on course towards lifting their eighth consecutive league title. Their rivals on the other hand have been blowing hot and cold and are yet to find their rhythm.
To win (90 min)
Orlando Pirates 15/20
Draw 21/10
Kaizer Chiefs 4/1
Orlando Pirates
Pirates took a step closer towards defending their Nedbank Cup trophy following their 3-1 win against Richards Bay FC, a brace by Patrick Maswanganyi and a last-minute goal by Tshegofatso Mabasa booked a last-16 spot for them.
The Sea Robbers currently have a busy schedule participating in the CAF Champions League where they have qualified for the knockout rounds. This did not stop them from successfully defending their MTN trophy for the third time in succession.
Youngster Relebohile Mofokeng has been continuing with his brilliance and continuing with his meteoric rise, he picked up the Man of the Match awards in Pirates’ past two recent matches against Al Ahly and Richards Bay. He is expected to torment the opposition’s defence together with fellow DDC graduate Mohau Nkota who is eyeing his derby debut.
Jose Riveiro’s last league match ended in a narrow defeat against Cape Town City, this was their second loss, and it extended the gap to six points between them and Sundowns who are currently at the summit of the Betway Premiership log standings.
Kaizer Chiefs
Amakhosi got back to winning ways by defeating Sekhukhune 1-0 following their 1-0 loss to Lamontville Golden Arrows. The win against Sekhukhune was followed by a 4-0 thrashing of minnows Free Agents FC in the Nedbank Cup.
Their league form has been inconsistent, with six wins, three draws, and five losses so far. Ahead of the January transfer window deadline, they strengthened their squad by signing three new players: Congolese striker Glody Lilepo from French third-division side Valenciennes FC, SuperSport United forward Tashreeq Morris, and Thabo Cele, who joined as a free agent after parting ways with Russian Premier League club FC Fakel Voronezh.
Nasreddine Nabi will breathe a sigh of relief after his side got hit with several injuries, side-lining a number of key players including Ashley Du Preez, Edson Castillo and Wandile Duba who was taken off in the first half of the match against Free Agents FC, details of his injury are yet to be shared.
George Matlou has hit the ground running after returning from a career-threatening knee injury that shelved him for nine months. The midfielder played his full 90-minute match on Sunday against Free Agents FC and received a Man of the Match Award.
He was overwhelmed with emotions and could not hold back his tears while accepting the award. “It’s emotional for me. It has been a hard journey, it’s not easy to be out of football for nine months. I’m grateful to my medical team and the coach for believing in me.” Matlou told SuperSport TV.
Prediction: Orlando Pirates win.
With bragging rights at stake, form often takes a backseat in this fierce showdown. However, Pirates’ dominance in recent seasons cannot be overlooked, coming into this clash on the back of three consecutive Soweto Derby victories, while Chiefs’ last triumph dates back to 2023.
Riveiro’s side has been in impressive form, excelling across all competitions, thanks to standout players such as Maswanganyi, Evidence Makgopa, Makhehleni Makhaula, and Deon Hotto.
Meanwhile, the Glamour Boys will be boosted by the return of Gaston Sirino, Happy Mashiane, and Tebogo Potsane, who has been settling in well since his comeback.
Written by Siphesihle Soni.