The first Soweto Derby of the 2024/25 season promises high stakes as Orlando Pirates face Kaizer Chiefs at the iconic FNB Stadium. The Buccaneers are in a Premiership title race, while Amakhosi will be out to spoil the party.
Orlando Pirates (1.97) are favoured by the odds on Easybet to clinch the win against Kaizer Chiefs (3.45). A draw (3.06) is another option for those who are undecided for this South African Premiership clash.
Pirates are firmly in the running for the league title this season, trailing Mamelodi Sundowns by six points with a game in hand. A week later, they clash with the defending champions.
Orlando Pirates’ Revival
The Buccaneers have impressed under José Riveiro, boasting a young, dynamic squad led by Relebohile Mofokeng and Patrick Maswanganyi. Their CAF Champions League success, topping a group featuring Al Ahly, has added to their momentum.
Pirates beat Richards Bay 3-1 in the Nedbank Cup in their most recent fixture. The match highlighted the skill of their attacking players while also reminding fans of their inexperience. Pirates are prone to occasional defensive lapses which can be costly, as they showed in their defeat to Cape Town City earlier in January.
Kaizer Chiefs’ Gradual Rebuild
Chiefs, meanwhile, remain in a rebuilding phase. After last season’s dismal 10th-place finish, Nasreddine Nabi has shown flashes of improvement since his July appointment. Injuries, however, have hindered their progress. Gastón Sirino’s return after a rib injury is a timely boost, but absences like Edson Castillo and Ashley du Preez leave gaps.
Pirates, too, have injury woes, missing key players such as Goodman Mosele and Zakhele Lepasa. Both teams, though, enter the derby in decent form, with Pirates winning five of their last six games and Chiefs four of theirs.
Soweto Derby Trends
Recent history favours Pirates, who have won the last three derbies across competitions. However, matches between these Soweto giants often hinge on fine margins, with three of the last four league derbies decided by 1-0 scorelines.
The Soweto Derby is often a cagey affair, but the last time the teams met, Pirates won 3-2 in the Premiership in March. The Buccaneers will be hoping to retain their Soweto supremacy in yet another derby – this time with more at stake than arguably any point in the last five years.
