Orlando Pirates will look to maintain their stronghold at the top of the Betway Premiership when they go head-to-head with Kaizer Chiefs in the final Soweto Derby of the season at FNB Stadium on Sunday.
Kick-off is at 3pm CAT.
CURRENT FORM
The Buccaneers head into the clash in good shape as league leaders, remaining unbeaten in eight outings with a strong 3-0 victory over AmaZulu FC on April 18, which sees them boasting an impressive +39 goal difference from 18 wins, four draws and three losses in 25 matches.
Pirates sit at the summit with 58 points - a point above second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns, who have a game in hand. The Soweto giants will be keen to put further distance between themselves and Sundowns in the title race with a victory over Chiefs.
However, Chiefs are in solid form, unbeaten in their last six league matches, including an impressive five consecutive victories, as they tighten their grip on third place, but they drew 0-0 with Polokwane City in their most recent game on April 18,
Amakhosi are placed third with 46 points from 24 games, 12 points behind leaders Pirates. They will view the Soweto Derby as an opportunity to close the gap on top spot while stretching their lead over fourth-placed AmaZulu, who are seven points behind.
TEAM NEWS
Orlando Pirates have several players who are expected to miss the Soweto Derby, with Tapelo Xoki and Sihle Nduli busy with their injury rehabilitation, while Kabelo Dlamini has been working on his fitness.
Kaizer Chiefs, on the other hand, will be without long-term absentees George Matlou and Rushwin Dortley. Zitha Kwinika is also sidelined through injury, while Godspower Ighodaro continues to work on his fitness.
Having thrashed Chiefs 3-0 in their last meeting in February, Pirates will carry a significant psychological advantage into the Soweto Derby, but the historic rivalry has proven time and again just how unpredictable it can be.
WHAT WAS SAID?
Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou
“This is another game, we have seen Kaizer Chiefs doing really well for a lot of games and they’re really fit, so for us it will be a different game and environment and we have to prepare for that in building an offence so we can keep winning.
“The players are not playing an ordinary game. It’s one of the biggest derbies on the continent and even in Europe because I get messages from there as well.”
Kaizer Chiefs co-head coach Khalil Ben Youssef
“It’s only three points. If we beat Orlando Pirates, will they give us the title or six points? It won’t change anything major. For us, it’s just a league game.
"Yes, it’s the derby, there will be one team in Soweto, us or them. But it’s still a league game. Our target has been clear from the first day of the season: we will take each game as it comes.
“We don’t have to change our targets by winning one game and start discussing winning the league. Or lose one game and start destroying everything.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Relebohile Mofokeng - Orlando Pirates: The Bafana Bafana international has been one of the standout performers in South African football this season, contributing 10 goals and seven assists in just 22 league matches for Pirates. His form could prove decisive in helping the Bucs secure a Soweto Derby win.
Flavio Da Silva - Kaizer Chiefs: With seven goals and one assist in 17 league appearances this season, the Guinea-Bissau international has been one of the most clinical strikers in the Betway Premiership. His sharp finishing and intelligent movement could be vital if Amakhosi are to upset Pirates.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
LAST 10 LEAGUE RESULTS
Season Result Scorers
2020/21 Chiefs 1-0 Pirates Nurkovic
2021/22 Chiefs 2-1 Pirates Dolly 2 (1 pen); Mntambo
2021/22 Pirates 1-2 Chiefs Peprah; Frosler, Mathoho
2022/23 Pirates 0-1 Chiefs Maart
2022/23 Chiefs 1-0 Pirates Ndah (og)
2023/24 Chiefs 0-1 Pirates Makgopa
2023/24 Pirates 3-2 Chiefs Saleng 2, Lebitso; Du Preez 2
2024/25 Pirates 1-0 Chiefs Maswanganyi (pen)
2024/25 Chiefs 1-2 Pirates Lilepo; Makgopa, Mofokeng
2025/26 Chiefs 0-3 Pirates Moremi, Appollis, Makgopa
LEAGUE RECORD (since 1985)
Home
P W D L GF GA
Pirates 41 12 15 14 42 44
Chiefs 39 17 13 9 45 36
Away
P W D L GF GA
Pirates 39 9 13 17 36 45
Chiefs 41 14 15 12 44 42
Total
P W D L GF GA
Pirates 80 21 28 31 78 89
Chiefs 80 31 28 21 89 78