With another derby approaching, we revisit the matches that defined South Africa’s biggest rivalry – and a recent result that could still shape the title race.
Few fixtures in African football carry the weight of the Soweto derby. When Kaizer Chiefs meet Orlando Pirates, the match extends beyond the result. It defines seasons and leaves moments that last long after the final whistle.
1970 – Early era – Orlando Pirates 6-4
The first recognised Soweto derby immediately set the tone. Percy Moloi scored the opening goal before the match turned into an open contest with chances at both ends. Chiefs, led by Kaizer Motaung, responded, but Pirates had the edge in key moments to secure a 6-4 win. The number of goals, the tempo and the crowd interest established the fixture as a major event from the outset.
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1972 – Champion of Champions final – Kaizer Chiefs 7-3
Chiefs produced one of the most dramatic comebacks in the history of the fixture. Pirates led early, but Chiefs responded through sustained attacking pressure and took control as the match progressed into extra time. Kaizer Motaung was among the key contributors as Chiefs ran out 7-3 winners. It remains the highest-scoring Soweto derby and one of the clearest examples of momentum shifting within a match.
1990 – National Soccer League – Orlando Pirates 5-1
Pirates produced one of the heaviest defeats in derby history and damaged Chiefs’ title hopes in the process. Mandla Sithole, Ernest Makhanya and Teboho Moloi scored before half-time to put Pirates in full control. Absalom Thindwa pulled one back for Chiefs, but Rod Anley added two more in the final 20 minutes to complete a 5-1 win. It remains one of the clearest statements Pirates have made in this fixture.
2003 – Castle Lager Premiership – Kaizer Chiefs 2-0
This was a more controlled contest, but still decisive. Siyabonga Nomvethe gave Chiefs the lead, finishing after a well-worked move. Pirates pushed for a response in the second half, but Chiefs stayed compact and added a second goal to secure the result. It was a performance built on structure and game management rather than chaos, reflecting how the derby had evolved.
2009 – ABSA Premiership – Orlando Pirates 2-1
This was a tight contest that only opened late. Katlego Mashego broke the deadlock in the 71st minute after sustained Pirates pressure. Chiefs responded through an own goal, but Pirates pushed again and Mashego scored his second from close range after a rebound. The match highlighted how even contests could still turn on small moments.
2012 – ABSA Premiership – Orlando Pirates 3-2
Pirates took early control with three goals inside the opening 25 minutes, including two from Benni McCarthy and one from Andile Jali. Chiefs responded through Siphiwe Tshabalala and Lehlohonolo Majoro, turning the final stages into a tense finish. Pirates held on, but the match remains one of the most open and eventful derbies in the modern era.
2018 – ABSA Premiership – Orlando Pirates 3-1
The match was balanced before half-time, with Thembinkosi Lorch giving Pirates the lead and Leonardo Castro equalising for Chiefs. The turning point came after the break when Luvuyo Memela scored with his first touch as a substitute and added another later. His impact changed the direction of the match and secured a 3-1 win.
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2019 – ABSA Premiership – Kaizer Chiefs 3-2
Chiefs ended a long wait for a league derby win in a match decided by key moments. An early own goal gave them the lead before Leonardo Castro added a second. Pirates responded through Vincent Pule and Gabadinho Mhango, but Daniel Cardoso converted a late penalty to secure a 3-2 win. The result carried weight after a long winless run.
2023 – Nedbank Cup semi-final – Orlando Pirates 2-1
This was one of the most emotionally charged recent derbies. Yusuf Maart scored for Chiefs, Pirates responded through Kermit Erasmus, and the match went to extra time in front of a sold-out crowd. The winner came from an unlikely source when defender Sandile Mthethwa rose highest to head Pirates into the final. The occasion, the crowd and the late decisive moment made it one of the modern rivalry’s standout cup ties.
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2025-26 – Betway Premiership – Orlando Pirates 3-0
The most recent meeting could yet define the season. Pirates led early through a deflected Tshepang Moremi effort before Oswin Appollis added a second before half-time. Evidence Makgopa completed the result with a headed goal. Chiefs struggled to build momentum, while Pirates controlled the key phases of the match. If they go on to win the title, this result will stand out.
Photo: Duif du Toit / Gallo Images
