Former Orlando Pirates stars haunt Kaizer Chiefs fans with unforgettable goals in Soweto derby clashes in South Africa

For decades, the Soweto derby has been the ultimate stage for South African football drama.

Over the years, Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs have battled in 66 high-stakes matches, with Chiefs winning 23 times, Pirates 22, and 21 draws keeping the rivalry tight and unpredictable.

Yet in recent years, certain former Pirates stars have emerged as nightmares for the Glamour Boys, turning key matches into unforgettable heartbreak for Chiefs supporters.

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Katlego Mashego’s Early Brilliance

Known affectionately as “Mahoota,” Katlego Mashego made a name for himself by delivering when it counted.

In the 2008/09 season, he scored a brace that handed Pirates a 2-1 victory over Chiefs.

A few seasons later, he netted a decisive second-leg goal to send the Buccaneers into the 2010 MTN8 final, ending Pirates’ year-long trophy drought.

His knack for rising in big matches cemented him as one of the derby’s enduring figures.

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Thembinkosi Lorch’s Consistent Threat

“The Nyoso” became a constant thorn in Chiefs’ side, scoring seven goals across multiple Soweto derbies.

Lorch’s most iconic moment came during the 2021 MTN8, when he helped Pirates crush Chiefs 3-0.

His style—combining pace, skill, and composure—drew comparisons to Pirates legend Jerry Sikhosana, and his departure to Mamelodi Sundowns in 2024 marked the end of a particularly menacing chapter for Chiefs.

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Patrick Maswanganyi’s Stoppage-Time Magic

Derby folklore remembers Patrick Maswanganyi for a last-minute Panenka penalty in 2024.

With Pirates needing a goal to secure victory, Relebohile Mofokeng was fouled in the box, and Maswanganyi calmly converted in stoppage time.

The audacity and timing of that strike still resonate with fans, highlighting how a single moment can define the fierce rivalry.

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Zakhele Lepasa’s Painful Twist

Although Lepasa scored only once against Chiefs while at Pirates during the 2020/21 MTN8, his most stinging impact came while on loan at TS Galaxy.

In 2019, he scored a late penalty to help TS Galaxy defeat Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup final, making history as the first lower-division side to lift the trophy.

The fact that Lepasa was a Pirates loanee at the time added a bitter edge to the defeat for Amakhosi supporters.

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Lesley Manyathela’s Legendary Performance

The late Lesley Manyathela, nicknamed “Slow Poison,” remains one of the derby’s most iconic figures.

In 2001, he scored twice in a 3-0 demolition of Chiefs, showcasing his lethal finishing and unmatched timing.

Manyathela’s performance is still celebrated as one of the finest individual displays in Soweto derby history, reminding fans why Pirates and Chiefs clashes are never predictable.

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Derby Drama Across Generations

From Mashego’s early heroics to Lorch’s recent dominance, these five players illustrate how former Pirates stars have left a lasting impact on Chiefs’ fortunes.

Each brought moments of brilliance that transcended the ordinary, proving that Soweto derbies are about more than just points—they’re about legacy, pride, and sometimes revenge.

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Upcoming Clash at FNB Stadium

The next Soweto derby will take place on 28 February at FNB Stadium, with Pirates and Chiefs fans eagerly anticipating the outcome.

Both teams are looking to assert dominance early in the 2026 season, and the memories of past clashes add tension and excitement to what promises to be another unforgettable encounter.

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What’s next?

All eyes will be on the stadium as both sides try to write a new chapter.

Will the current Pirates squad continue their streak against Chiefs, or will Amakhosi finally turn the tide and reclaim bragging rights? Fans will be analyzing tactics, key players, and potential game-changers in the lead-up to the match.

Expect high intensity, emotion, and possibly another hero emerging from the shadows.

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Summary

Soweto derbies have always produced drama, heartbreak, and unforgettable performances.

Former Pirates players like Katlego Mashego, Thembinkosi Lorch, Patrick Maswanganyi, Zakhele Lepasa, and Lesley Manyathela have repeatedly caused Chiefs fans to despair, shaping the rivalry’s rich history.

As the next derby approaches, their legacies remind everyone why this fixture is one of the most exciting in African football.