Soweto Derby Showdown: A Recap of the Last 10 Encounters Between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs

In recent encounters, the Pirates have generally held the advantage, securing victory in six of their last seven matches against the Chiefs, who have managed to win four out of their last ten showdowns.

Remarkably, there hasn’t been a draw in this fixture for 17 matches, with the last stalemate occurring in a 2-2 deadlock during the Telkom Knockout back in 2019.

March 5, 2022 (Betway Premiership)

Orlando Pirates 1-2 Kaizer Chiefs

This match was a thrilling back-and-forth contest, with Chiefs taking the lead twice. Reeve Frosler’s stunning first-half goal put them ahead initially. Although the Pirates fought back with an equaliser from Kwame Peprah shortly after the interval, it was Chiefs’ day as Erick Mathoho netted the winner with a header from a corner delivered by Keagan Dolly, sealing the victory with nine minutes remaining.

October 29, 2022 (Betway Premiership)

Orlando Pirates 0-1 Kaizer Chiefs

This derby will be remembered not so much for the 90 minutes of play but for the incredible winning goal by Chiefs’ midfielder Yusuf Maart. He picked up the ball in his own territory, noticed Pirates’ goalkeeper Siyabonga Mpontshane off his line, and unleashed a remarkable 60-yard strike that found the back of the net. This goal marked the fourth consecutive victory for the Chiefs, reinforcing their recent supremacy over their fiercest rivals.

February 25, 2023 (Betway Premiership)

Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 Orlando Pirates

The Chiefs continued their streak with a fifth straight win against the Pirates, thanks to an own goal from Olisa Ndah just before full-time. The match was closely contested, filled with intensity, culminating in a red card for Pirates’ Innocent Maela. While both teams faced challenges, it was a bitter end for Pirates as Ndah’s unfortunate moment denied them a point. Former Chiefs coach Arthur Zwane achieved the remarkable feat of back-to-back wins over Pirates in the same campaign.

May 6, 2023 (Nedbank Cup)

Kaizer Chiefs 1-2 Orlando Pirates

Pirates triumphed in this Nedbank Cup semifinal after extra time, putting an end to a streak of five consecutive defeats in the Soweto Derby. They dominated the match, with Kermit Erasmus scoring early on. Though Chiefs equalised through Maart late in the regular time, it was Sandile Mthethwa, who hardly featured before this, who netted a dramatic winner in the 114th minute.

November 11, 2023 (Betway Premiership)

Kaizer Chiefs 0-1 Orlando Pirates

This match marked an impressive run as Pirates notched up their second victory in what would become a record five consecutive wins against Chiefs. Evidence Makgopa scored the match’s only goal in the 20th minute, allowing Coach Jose Riveiro’s side to maintain their lead until the final whistle.

March 9, 2024 (Betway Premiership)

Orlando Pirates 3-2 Kaizer Chiefs

A riveting derby unfolded as Chiefs took the lead twice thanks to Ashley du Preez, but ultimately fell to a thrilling five-goal encounter. Du Preez opened the scoring early, but Monnapule Saleng equalised for the Buccaneers. Just before half-time, Du Preez found the net again, but the momentum shifted when Thabiso Lebitso levelled once more for Pirates, leading to Saleng clinching the winner, marking another memorable Derby in recent history.

February 1, 2025 (Betway Premiership)

Orlando Pirates 1-0 Kaizer Chiefs

After a significant break, the Derby made its return in the latter half of the 2024/25 season. The match appeared destined for a draw until a late penalty was awarded to Pirates in the dying moments. Following a foul by Njabulo Blom on Relebohile Mofokeng, Patrick Maswanganyi converted a cheeky Panenka penalty in the 96th minute, giving Pirates a dramatic victory.

May 3, 2025 (Betway Premiership)

Kaizer Chiefs 1-2 Orlando Pirates

Pirates established a club record with their fifth consecutive victory over Chiefs, having to come back after Glody Lilepo scored for Chiefs just two minutes in. Makgopa levelled things up midway through the first half, and Mofokeng found the net to secure the win for the Buccaneers.

May 10, 2025 (Nedbank Cup)

Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 Orlando Pirates

Only a week later, the teams clashed again in the Nedbank Cup final held in Durban. The Chiefs not only broke their losing streak against Pirates but also took home their first trophy in ten years. They took the lead early with a penalty from Gaston Sirino, though Makgopa again equalised for Pirates. After a tense contest, Maart found the winner for the Chiefs, igniting jubilant celebrations.

February 28, 2026 (Betway Premiership)

Kaizer Chiefs 0-3 Orlando Pirates

The first league Derby of the August-May season was the latest recorded clash, as the PSL delayed the fixtures. Pirates delivered a powerful performance, triumphing by their largest margin over Chiefs since 2020. Tshepang Moremi kicked things off with an early goal, followed by Oswin Appollis adding another just before half-time. Makgopa capped off the scoring, coming off the bench to net a third goal—his fourth Derby goal in as many matches against the Chiefs.