When is Pirates vs Chiefs in the Soweto Derby, mfethu?
What a fixture we have in store?
It’s a blue-chip fixture in South African football. The country stands still as Orlando Pirates host Kaizer Chiefs in the iconic Soweto Derby.
Soweto Derby Fixture Details
Orlando Stadium plays host to another battle between these arch-rivals. The latest chapter will be written on Saturday 01 February with kickoff at 15:30.
Double defensive boost for Orlando Pirates
In Pirates’ relatively comfortable 3-1 win at Richards Bay in the Nedbank Cup, regular number one goalkeeper Sipho Chaine wasn’t risked. He’s one booking away from a suspension so Pirates clearly had one eye on the Soweto Derby in this regard. Nkosinathi Sibisi missed the clash at Bay through suspension but he should return against Kaizer Chiefs in place of Tapelo Xoki.
10 players who could make Soweto Derby debuts
Predicted Chiefs XI vs Orlando Pirates
Bvuma; Blom, Miguel, Dortley, Cross; Maart, Mthethwa; Vilakazi, Shabalala, Mmodi; Chivaviro.
Coach Nasreddine Nabi must again find a solution to his striker shortage with Glody Lilepo unlikely to get work permit clearance in time and Duba ruled out. Pule Mmodi, scorer of a brace in the 4-0 win over Free Agents, has made a huge case for a place in the XI. Gaston Sirino is an option wide in attack too but fan favourite Mfundo Vilakazi could get the nod. Mduduzi Shabalala will start in the number 10 role.
Unlikely hero Hotto vs Vilakazi is the key battle
The evergreen, versatile talents of 34-year-old Deon Hotto Kavendji aren’t lost on the Pirates supporters. The Namibian utility star always delivers what his manager wants and does so in several positions. Mostly utilized on the left-hand side of the defence in recent years after cutting his teeth as a left winger, Hotto has also been deployed in a right-sided attacking role in Caf Champions League clashes this term. The ultimate ‘Swiss Army Knife’ player, Hotto will be key to Pirates’ chances of success on Derby Day. Vast experience counts for a lot on these grand occasions. His opposite number in the derby, in all likelihood, will be exciting youngster Mfundo Vilakazi. That’s a battle to watch closely.
Recent H2H tilts in favour of Pirates
Pirates have held the upper hand in recent meetings between these great rivals. The Buccaneers have won the last three meetings across all competitions, including each of the last two in the league, most recently that 3-2 success for the Sea Robbers in March 2024 with Monnapule Saleng bagging a double. That stopped a curious and somewhat surprising run of five consecutive wins for Chiefs in Soweto Derby league clashes with the Sea Robbers. These rivals lock horns again on Saturday 01 February at Orlando Stadium from 15:30.
Who’s your money on, Mzansi?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.