Soccer
Amakhosi and Bucs both seek redemption in Soweto Derby─── MORGAN PIEK 09:39 Sat, 03 May 2025
Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates will both be looking to redeem themselves this Saturday when they clash in the highly anticipated Soweto Derby in the Premier Soccer League.
The match, set to take place at Soccer City – the iconic venue of the 2010 FIFA World Cup final – is the first of two Soweto Derbies between the fierce rivals over the next week.
Saturday’s clash isn’t just a chance for both sides to get back to winning ways in the league, but also serves as a prelude to next week’s massive Nedbank Cup final, which will be held at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
Orlando Pirates fan. Photo: Morgan Piek
Amakhosi head into the derby having not played a league match since early March. Just last week, they were handed a 2-1 defeat by Marumo Gallants from Bloemfontein.
The Buccaneers, meanwhile, have had a tough week of their own. They were knocked out of the CAF Champions League after a 3-2 loss to Pyramids FC in Cairo, conceding a late goal just eight minutes from the final whistle. That heartbreak was followed by a 1-0 midweek defeat to third-placed Sekhukhune United – a result that allowed the Polokwane-based side to leapfrog Pirates into second place on the log.
Despite the setbacks, Pirates coach Jose Riveiro insists the mood in the camp remains upbeat. “The mood is surprisingly good – I can tell you that this season, we’ve developed the ability to overcome all kinds of challenges and to find motivation within ourselves,” said Riveiro.
“We’re confident going into this final stretch of the season. What the players have delivered this term has been outstanding – second to none – and we want to finish on a high.”
Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi echoed the sentiment of determination and highlighted the magnitude of the derby.
Kaizer Chiefs fans. Photo: Morgan Piek
“What I’ve learned is that the Soweto Derby is more than just football. It touches every part of society – it’s cultural, it’s South African, it’s African, and even global. It ranks among the great derbies in world football,” said Nabi.
“There’s a new energy in the camp. With two derbies ahead – including a cup final – the team, the coaches, everyone is in a positive space. We know how important these games are, and we’re ready to give it everything.”
Saturday’s big Soweto Derby kicks off at 15:00 at the FNB Stadium.
