If you were hoping for an early-season showdown between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, you’re going to need a little patience.
The 2025/26 Betway Premiership fixtures have officially dropped, and to the surprise of many fans, the first Soweto Derby won’t take place until February 2026—with the second scheduled for April.
That means no early fireworks between South Africa’s biggest football rivals, and the tension will only build until they finally meet.
A Recap of Last Season’s Fierce Rivalry
Last season, Chiefs and Pirates squared off three times—and every match delivered the drama fans live for.
In their first meeting, Pirates edged out a 1-0 win at the FNB Stadium thanks to a late penalty.
The second clash saw the Buccaneers double down, winning 2-1 in a strong showing.
But Amakhosi didn’t go down without a fight—they claimed the third encounter, a 2-1 win in May at a packed Moses Mabhida Stadium.
That victory not only snapped Pirates’ winning streak but also marked the end of Chiefs’ long trophy drought.
When Are the 2026 Soweto Derby Dates?
The stage is already set for two of the most anticipated matchups of the upcoming season:
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First Derby: Saturday, 28 February 2026 at 15:00
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Reverse Fixture: Saturday, 25 April 2026
With these fixtures falling so late in the season, fans are already wondering—will the title race or top-four finish hinge on these games?
Is There a Chance They Meet Before February?
Technically, yes—but only under certain circumstances.
Since Kaizer Chiefs are not participating in the MTN8, the only realistic shot at a pre-Derby face-off would be if the two teams get drawn against each other in the Carling Knockout Cup.
The last time they clashed in the CKO was all the way back in 2019, when Chiefs edged Pirates 4-2 on penalties after a thrilling 2-2 draw.
So, while the league has them set for 2026, a surprise knockout pairing could bring us an early Soweto Derby if the football gods align.
Chiefs Struggling to Turn the Tide in Recent Derbies
Here’s a stat that might sting for Amakhosi supporters: in the last six Derby clashes, Chiefs have won just once—that victory in May.
Pirates, on the other hand, have been dominant, winning four of those and drawing one.
Chiefs will be eager to shift the momentum, especially as the pressure to perform mounts later in the season.
Should These Massive Matches Happen Earlier in the Season?
It’s a fair question. Some fans believe such big games should set the tone early, injecting adrenaline into the campaign from the start.
Others argue that saving the best for last raises the stakes and keeps the title race intense right to the end.
What do you think? Should the Soweto Derbies be earlier, or do they belong in the heat of the season’s final stretch?