As the anticipation builds for the 2024/25 Nedbank Cup final showdown between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates this Saturday, it’s impossible to ignore the electrifying history that fuels this Soweto Derby.
Spanning five decades, the encounters between these two giants of South African football are woven with tales of breathtaking goals, dramatic comebacks, and unforgettable moments.
To truly appreciate the magnitude of this upcoming final, SBN looked at five historic clashes that have defined this iconic rivalry:
January 24, 1970: Rogue Beer Cup Third Place Play-off
Orlando Pirates 6-4 Kaizer Chiefs
The very first Soweto Derby set an astonishing precedent for goalmouth action. In a third-place playoff for the South African Breweries-sponsored Rogue Beer Cup, Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs engaged in a sensational ten-goal spectacle. Pirates emerged victorious with a 6-4 scoreline, propelled by clinical braces from the legendary Remember Majoe and Bernard Hartze.
However, Chiefs’ own maestro, Pule “Ace” Ntsoelengoe, also left his mark with two goals. Adding to the chaotic drama of this inaugural meeting was an unfortunate own goal by Petros Nzimande. This match not only marked the beginning of the derby but also established a record that still stands: the most goals ever scored in a single Soweto Derby. Interestingly, this feat of ten goals was repeated just two years later, further cementing the explosive nature of these early encounters.
April 4, 1971: Champion of Champions Final, Second Leg
Orlando Pirates 3-1 Kaizer Chiefs
This Champion of Champions final second leg showcased the impact a single player can have on this fierce rivalry. With the tie finely balanced, Orlando Pirates coach made a game-changing substitution, introducing Henry Khumalo.
The impact was immediate and profound. Khumalo single-handedly turned the tide of the match, scoring a remarkable hat-trick, which included a late penalty that sealed a 3-1 victory for the Buccaneers.
Post-match, the Pirates coach lauded Khumalo’s “phenomenal impact,” highlighting how Chiefs struggled to contain the inspired substitute.
This game also serves as a reminder of the rarity of hat-tricks in the derby, with Jerry Sikhosana being the last player to achieve this feat for Pirates in a commanding 4-1 win back in 1996, underscoring the significance of Khumalo’s performance.
July 25, 1992: Coca-Cola Cup First Round (AET)
Kaizer Chiefs 3-2 Orlando Pirates (After Extra Time)
This Coca-Cola Cup first-round clash epitomized the never-say-die spirit often associated with Kaizer Chiefs. Facing a daunting 2-0 deficit, Amakhosi mounted a dramatic comeback, spearheaded by the predatory instincts of Fani “Didiza” Madida. Madida struck twice, including a crucial penalty that dragged the game into extra time.
The momentum had firmly swung in Chiefs’ favor, and Albert Bwalya delivered the decisive blow, netting the winner to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory in extra time. Madida’s post-match declaration, “We never gave up,” resonated deeply with the Chiefs faithful, forever etching this comeback victory and his pivotal role in it into the club’s folklore.
March 17, 2012: League Thriller at FNB Stadium
Orlando Pirates 3-2 Kaizer Chiefs
This league encounter at the iconic FNB Stadium was a modern classic, showcasing the quality and intensity of the derby in the PSL era. Orlando Pirates emerged victorious in a pulsating 3-2 thriller, largely thanks to the brilliance of veteran striker Benni McCarthy, who bagged a memorable brace.
Andile Jali’s strike ultimately proved to be the decisive goal for the Buccaneers, despite late spirited efforts from Kaizer Chiefs, who managed to pull back two goals through Siphiwe Tshabalala and Lehlohonolo Majoro. McCarthy’s post-match comments, “This win was for our fans,” underscored the deep emotional connection between the players and the supporters in this fiercely contested rivalry, and the victory also marked a significant step for Pirates towards securing the league title that season.
February 12, 1972: Champion of Champions Final, Second Leg (AET)
Kaizer Chiefs 7-3 Orlando Pirates (After Extra Time)
This Champion of Champions final second leg remains etched in the annals of Kaizer Chiefs history as one of their most glorious triumphs. Trailing Orlando Pirates 2-0 at halftime, few could have predicted the stunning turnaround that was about to unfold. Inspired by a vociferous crowd and a renewed sense of purpose, Chiefs unleashed an unprecedented attacking onslaught in the second half and extra time.
Johnny Mokoena led the charge with a crucial brace, and he was ably supported by a flurry of goals from Joseph Setlhodi, Herman Blaschke, Ariel Kgongoane, Michael Dlamini, and the legendary Kaizer Motaung himself, who fittingly capped off the incredible comeback.
The final scoreline of 7-3 in favor of Chiefs remains a testament to their resilience and attacking firepower on that unforgettable day. Reflecting on this historic triumph, Kaizer Motaung Sr. famously declared, “That was our finest hour,” encapsulating the sheer magnitude and emotional resonance of this remarkable victory.
As noted earlier, this match, along with the inaugural derby, holds the joint record for the most goals scored in a single Soweto Derby.
Ahead of the Soweto Derby, we want to know who you are backing? Drop your vote here.