The Soweto Derby between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates is one of the biggest derbies, not only in South Africa but in Africa at large.
It first happened on January 24, 1970, and it grew with a massive fanbase, replacing the initial one that was between Bucs and Moroka Swallows. Nowadays, when the Premier Soccer League releases the fixtures, the first thing Mzansi looks for is the Soweto Derby dates.
Usually, it doesn't matter who is doing well and who is not. What matters is securing the bragging rights.
What is the 2023/24 story?
- Orlando Pirates next match: Buccaneers fixtures for 2024/25 season
- Kaizer Chiefs next match: Amakhosi team fixtures and results 2024/25
Last season, the old rivals met just twice; in the traditional PSL fixture. The first leg was played at the FNB Stadium. The Sea Robbers won by a solitary goal scored by Evidence Makgopa after Bandile Shandu's donkey work.
In the second meeting staged at the same venue, it looked like Amakhosi would get their revenge when Ashley de Preez scored early after converting Pule Mmodi's assist. Tshegofatso Mabasa set up Monnapule Saleng for an equaliser before the Glamour Boys' duo combined again to get the second goal.
However, Pirates responded courtesy of Thabiso Lebitso's long-range strike then Patrick Maswanganyi assisted Saleng for the winner to ensure the Buccaneers completed a double.
Head-to-head record
In the last 10 minutes across all competitions, Amakhosi have been superior.
9/03/24 – Orlando Pirates 3-2 Kaizer Chiefs – PSL
11/11/23 – Kaizer Chiefs 0-1 Orlando Pirates – PSL
6/5/23 – Kaizer Chiefs 1-2 Orlando Pirates – Nedbank Cup
25/2/23 – Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 Orlando Pirates – PSL
12/11/22 – Kaizer Chiefs 0-0 (Pens 5-6) Orlando Pirates – BLC
29/10/22 – Orlando Pirates 0-1 Kaizer Chiefs – PSL
5/03/22 – Orlando Pirates 1-2 Kaizer Chiefs – PSL
6/11/21 – Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 Orlando Pirates – PSL
1/08/21 – Kaizer Chiefs 0-0 (Pens 4-3) Orlando Pirates – BLC
21/03/21 – Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 Orlando Pirates – PSL
When will the 2024/25 Soweto Derby happen?
The first Soweto Derby between the Buccaneers and the Glamour boys was staged at the FNB Stadium on Saturday February 1.
The Buccaneers had come into the match as favourites owing to their excellent start to the ongoing season that saw them win the MTN8 for a record third time in a row.
They even had a massive chance to score early in the game but Pule Mmodi missed it.
When it seemed the game would end goalless, Njabulo Blom was harshly adjudged to have fouled Relebohile Mofokeng in the danger zone. Patrick Maswanganyi rose for the occasion, playing a Panenka penalty past Bruce Bvuma to seal the win.
It was the fourth consecutive Soweto Derby win for Pirates, against Chiefs, against all competitions.
The second Premier Soccer League meeting between the two sworn rivals is scheduled for Saturday, May 3 at the same venue.
Seven days later, the two teams will meet in the Nedbank Cup final that will be played at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. This will be a massive game for the Soweto giants.
Kaizer Chiefs eliminated Mamelodi Sundowns in the semi-final after coming from a goal down, scored by Teboho Mokoena, to win 2-1 thanks to strikes from Wandile Duba and Ashley du Preez. The Glamour Boys will now be aiming at ending the 10-year trophy drought by beating the defending champions.
For the Buccaneers, this is a massive chance to win another three-peat and set another record. They made the final thanks to a 1-0 win against Marumo Gallants at the Orlando Stadium. The only goal was scored by Kabelo Dlamini early in the first half.
Victory against the old rivals will be a massive gift for the outgoing coach Jose Riveiro. The Spaniard tactician joined the team at the beginning of the 2022/23 season, and has announced he will leave once his deal expires.
How can I get my tickets or where can I watch the Soweto Derby?
In recent seasons, Ticket Pro have been responsible for providing tickets for the game. They share all the details on the PSL website. There were no changes on this arrangement, however, it is a sold-out affair.
For those who will not make it to the game, Afrik-Foot is here to update you on what is happening.
