When it comes to football rivalries in South Africa, few can match the intensity and passion of the battles between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. The Soweto Derby isn’t just a game—it’s an event that captures the hearts of millions. The moment the league fixtures are announced, fans of both teams immediately circle the two most important dates on their calendars: the matches against their arch-rivals.
A Balanced History of Dominance
Since the start of the professional Premier Soccer League (PSL) era in 1996/97, these two giants of South African football have taken turns finishing ahead of each other in the standings. Incredibly, after 28 completed seasons, both Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates have ended higher in the league table 14 times each.
The biggest gap between the two sides saw Kaizer Chiefs finishing seven places above Orlando Pirates in the 2016/17 season. However, Pirates returned the favor in a major way, ending eight spots ahead of Chiefs in the 2023/24 campaign.
Recent Form: A Shift in Power
In recent years, the momentum has been in Orlando Pirates’ favor.
Over the last seven seasons, the Buccaneers have outperformed Kaizer Chiefs five times, and they are well on track to make it six out of the last eight seasons this year.
As things stand, Kaizer Chiefs are struggling in eighth place with just 29 points after 23 matches.
Even in the highly unlikely scenario where they win all of their remaining seven fixtures—an ambitious goal considering they have only won eight games so far this season—they would end with 50 points.
Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates are comfortably sitting in second place with 43 points after just 19 matches.
To ensure they finish above their biggest rivals, they need just eight more points from their remaining 11 games.
In fact, they could theoretically lose all their remaining matches and still have a chance of finishing above Chiefs, highlighting just how much the tables have turned.
Championship Success Over the Years
Both clubs have enjoyed periods of league dominance.
Kaizer Chiefs have lifted the PSL trophy four times (2003/04, 2004/05, 2012/13, 2014/15), while Orlando Pirates have matched that tally with four titles of their own (2000/01, 2002/03, 2010/11, 2011/12).
However, neither team has been able to come close to the dominance of Mamelodi Sundowns, who have claimed a record-breaking 14 PSL titles and are on track to secure their 15th championship this May.
Other past league champions include SuperSport United (three titles), as well as Manning Rangers, Santos, and Wits, who each have one league triumph to their names.
One More Derby to Go
Fans won’t have to wait long for the next showdown between these two iconic clubs.
The final Soweto Derby of the season is scheduled for Saturday, May 3, at the FNB Stadium, with kick-off set for 15:30.
Earlier this season, Orlando Pirates secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Kaizer Chiefs, with Patrick Maswanganyi netting a last-minute penalty deep into second-half injury time.
Chiefs will be looking for revenge, but with Pirates in top form, the challenge will be a daunting one.