The Soweto Derby, one of football’s fiercest rivalries, reignites this Saturday as Kaizer Chiefs face Orlando Pirates in the Betway Premiership with kick-off scheduled for 15:00.
With 181 clashes since their first meeting on January 24, 1970, this storied battle promises another chapter of drama and passion.
Soweto Derby Statistics (Since 24 January 1970):
Kaizer Chiefs Wins: 74
Orlando Pirates Wins: 48
Draws: 54
Matches Abandoned: 5
Kaizer Chiefs Goals Scored: 230
Orlando Pirates Goals Scored: 197
Here are five unforgettable encounters that have defined this iconic rivalry:
1) January 24, 1970 – Rogue Beer Cup Third Place Play-off
Orlando Pirates 6-4 Kaizer Chiefs
The first-ever Soweto Derby exploded with goals in a South African Breweries-sponsored tournament. Pirates triumphed 6-4, powered by braces from Remember Majoe and Bernard Hartze, despite Chiefs’ Pule Ntsoelengoe netting twice. A Petros Nzimande own goal added chaos to a pulsating clash.
2) April 4, 1971 – Champion of Champions Final, Second Leg
Orlando Pirates 3-1 Kaizer Chiefs
Substitute Henry Khumalo turned the tide for Pirates, scoring a hat-trick, including a late penalty, to secure a 3-1 win. “Khumalo’s impact was phenomenal,” Pirates’ coach said post-match, as Chiefs struggled to counter the inspired substitute.
3) July 25, 1992 – Coca-Cola Cup First Round
Kaizer Chiefs 3-2 Orlando Pirates (AET)
Chiefs staged a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down, with Fani Madida scoring twice, including a penalty, to force extra time. Albert Bwalya’s strike sealed a 3-2 victory. “We never gave up,” Madida said, cementing his place in Chiefs’ lore.
4) March 17, 2012 – League
Orlando Pirates 3-2 Kaizer Chiefs
Benni McCarthy’s brace lit up FNB Stadium as Pirates edged a 3-2 thriller. Andile Jali’s strike proved decisive despite late goals from Chiefs’ Siphiwe Tshabalala and Lehlohonolo Majoro. “This win was for our fans,” McCarthy said, celebrating a crucial step toward the league title.
5) February 12, 1972 – Champion of Champions Final, Second Leg
Kaizer Chiefs 7-3 Orlando Pirates (AET)
Trailing 2-0 at halftime, Chiefs unleashed a stunning comeback, led by Johnny Mokoena’s brace. Goals from Joseph Setlhodi, Herman Blaschke, Ariel Kgongoane, Michael Dlamini, and Kaizer Motaung completed a 7-3 rout. “That was our finest hour,” Motaung said, recalling the historic triumph.
As the FNB Stadium prepares for another electric showdown, both teams are poised to add to the Soweto Derby’s rich legacy. Expect fireworks.