The Soweto Derby is the biggest match in South African football, and it pits Kaizer Chiefs against Orlando Pirates. Both clubs are based in Soweto, Johannesburg. This guide covers the head-to-head record, the venues, the latest results and the next meeting, all in SAST.
What is the Soweto Derby?
The Soweto Derby is the league fixture between Kaizer Chiefs (nicknamed Amakhosi) and Orlando Pirates (the Buccaneers, or Bucs). It matters because both clubs come from the same part of Johannesburg and have huge followings. As a result, the atmosphere is unlike any other Betway Premiership game.
To learn more about the clubs, read our Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates profiles.
What is the Soweto Derby head-to-head record?
Our match data records 27 finished meetings between the two clubs since 29 October 2016. Orlando Pirates won 12, Kaizer Chiefs won 9 and 6 ended in draws. That covers league and cup games, and older meetings are not counted.
Consequently, treat the record as a recent snapshot, not the full history. The table below shows the latest results, newest first.
| Date | Match | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26 Apr 2026 | Orlando Pirates v Kaizer Chiefs | 1 - 1 | Premier Soccer League |
| 28 Feb 2026 | Kaizer Chiefs v Orlando Pirates | 0 - 3 | Premier Soccer League |
| 10 May 2025 | Kaizer Chiefs v Orlando Pirates | 2 - 1 | Cup |
| 3 May 2025 | Kaizer Chiefs v Orlando Pirates | 1 - 2 | Premier Soccer League |
| 1 Feb 2025 | Orlando Pirates v Kaizer Chiefs | 1 - 0 | Premier Soccer League |
| 9 Mar 2024 | Orlando Pirates v Kaizer Chiefs | 3 - 2 | Premier Soccer League |
| 11 Nov 2023 | Kaizer Chiefs v Orlando Pirates | 0 - 1 | Premier Soccer League |
| 6 May 2023 | Kaizer Chiefs v Orlando Pirates | 1 - 2 | Cup |
What happened in the most recent Soweto Derbies?
Chiefs beat Pirates 2-1 in a cup final on 10 May 2025, but Pirates won the league meeting a week earlier by the same score. More recently, Pirates won 3-0 at FNB Stadium on 28 February 2026. The last derby, on 26 April 2026 at Orlando Stadium, finished 1-1.
In other words, the rivalry has been tight, although Pirates have had the better of the recent league games.
Where is the Soweto Derby played?
The venue depends on who is the home team. When Kaizer Chiefs host, the game is at FNB Stadium. When Orlando Pirates host, it is at Orlando Stadium. Both are in Johannesburg, and our match data lists them as the venues for the league meetings.
When is the next Soweto Derby?
According to our match data, the first 2026/27 league derby is on 31 October 2026 at Orlando Stadium, with kick-off at 15:30 SAST. The return is on 13 March 2027 at FNB Stadium, also at 15:30 SAST. However, the league can change dates, so confirm on the PSL fixtures page before you plan.
How are Chiefs and Pirates doing this season?
As at 22 September 2026, Orlando Pirates were second in the table on 19 points after seven games. Kaizer Chiefs were fourth on 13 points after seven. Mamelodi Sundowns led on 20. Check the live PSL table for the current order, and the PSL results for the latest scores.
How do you follow the Soweto Derby live?
Use our live scores page on the day. First, check the kick-off time in SAST. Then, watch for confirmed line-ups from the clubs shortly before the game. Finally, use the PSL website as the official source for match information.
What should visiting fans know?
Derby days bring big crowds. Consequently, plan your travel early, and follow the stadium and league guidance for entry. Because rules and ticket details vary, check the clubs and the league for official information before you go.
How has the derby played out in cup football?
The clubs also meet in knockout competitions. Our match data records a cup semi-final on 6 May 2023, which Orlando Pirates won 2-1 after extra time, and a cup final on 10 May 2025, which Kaizer Chiefs won 2-1. As a result, a derby can decide a trophy, not just three league points.
Why does form matter less in a derby?
Form still counts, but derbies are famous for ignoring it. A club on a poor run can raise its game, and a leader can freeze. For example, Pirates won 3-0 in February 2026 but could only draw 1-1 two months later. Therefore, use the recent results table as context, not as a forecast.
If you want tips on how we approach match previews, see our PSL predictions page.
What makes the Soweto Derby different from other league games?
First, both clubs share a home city, so the fans live close together. Second, the two clubs alternate as hosts, with FNB Stadium and Orlando Stadium each staging one league derby a season. Finally, both 2026/27 league meetings are listed for 15:30 SAST. That mix of local pride and a shared calendar slot is why the fixture stands out.
Frequently asked questions about the Soweto Derby
Who has won more Soweto Derbies?
In our data covering 27 meetings since October 2016, Orlando Pirates won 12, Kaizer Chiefs 9, and 6 were drawn.
When is the next Soweto Derby?
The next league derby is listed for 31 October 2026 at Orlando Stadium, kick-off 15:30 SAST, subject to change.
Which stadiums host the Soweto Derby?
FNB Stadium hosts it when Kaizer Chiefs are at home. Orlando Stadium hosts it when Orlando Pirates are at home.
What was the last Soweto Derby result?
The last derby, on 26 April 2026 at Orlando Stadium, ended 1-1.
