A Storied Rivalry: The History of the Soweto Derby Between Chiefs and Pirates

Few football rivalries on the continent can match the intensity, passion and cultural significance of the Soweto Derby, pitting Orlando Pirates against Kaizer Chiefs. It’s a clash that has transcended generations, uniting and dividing fans in equal measure. However, it proudly stands among the great derbies of global football — alongside Boca Juniors vs River Plate, Celtic vs Rangers, Al Ahly vs Zamalek, and Barcelona vs Real Madrid.

Humble Beginnings, Monumental Rise

The first meeting between these two titans took place in January 1970, not as a headline event but rather a curtain-raiser to the Rogue Beer Cup third-place playoff. Pirates won that encounter 6-4, but few would have guessed how significant this match would become in our football history.

At that time, Moroka Swallows and PUBS were the dominant forces in Soweto. That began to shift in the late 1960s when Orlando Pirates began attracting top-tier talent, including a young Kaizer Motaung. A fallout at Pirates led to Motaung forming his own side — initially called Kaizer XI — which evolved into Kaizer Chiefs in 1970.

A Derby That Grew Beyond Borders

By the mid-1970s, the rivalry between the two clubs had ignited such widespread interest that fans travelled from across the region — including Lesotho, Mozambique, Botswana, and Eswatini — to witness the spectacle. Chiefs and Pirates had rapidly grown into the country’s most followed teams, each with a loyal and passionate fan base.

Tension, Tragedy and Glory

Although the Soweto Derby has largely avoided the violence seen in some rivalries abroad, one tragic incident in 1976 cast a shadow. Ewert Nene, then Chiefs’ manager, was murdered while attempting to sign PUBS star Nelson ‘Teenage’ Dladla, who later went on to have a glittering career with Chiefs.

The rivalry has produced countless iconic players over the decades. Chiefs legends such as ‘Ace’ Ntsoelengoe, Marks Maponyane and Teenage Dladla have left their mark, while Pirates were represented by greats like Jomo Sono, Jerry Sikhosana and Percy Moloi.

Lucky Stylianou, the first white player at Chiefs, recalled how the pressure surrounding the derby was immense, with players struggling to sleep the night before. Former Chiefs captain Howard Freeze echoed the sentiment, describing how fans made incredible sacrifices to attend matches — some travelling for hours just to watch 90 minutes of football.

Five Decades of Drama

Saturday’s upcoming Nedbank Cup clash marks the 183rd meeting between these rivals. Chiefs still hold the upper hand historically with 74 wins, compared to Pirates’ 49, alongside 54 draws and five abandoned games. The AmaKhosi also lead in goals scored — 230 to 196.

Notable records include:

• Most goals in a single derby: 10 (Chiefs’ 6-4 win in 1970 and 7-3 in 1972).
• Biggest winning margin: Chiefs’ 5-1 win in 1975, matched by Pirates in 1990.
• Top derby scorer: Ace Ntsoelengoe with 19 goals.
• Fastest goal: Mabhuti Khenyeza’s strike after 19 seconds in 2007.

The derby has been played in 15 different venues including Gqeberha and Mdantsane, with Soccer City hosting the most (77 matches). Coaches like Vladimir Vermezovic, Ted Dumitru, and Kosta Papic have stood on both benches, further adding layers to the saga.

Soweto Derby: Key Stats Summary

More Than Just a Game

The Soweto Derby is not just about goals, tactics and trophies — it’s a cultural event, a ritual, and a reflection of the nation’s footballing soul. It’s a rivalry rich in history and drama, where every encounter is not merely a match but a celebration of South African football.

As another chapter awaits this weekend, the story of Chiefs vs Pirates continues to be written — and the country will be watching.

Also read: Nedbank Cup Final: Exploring the History of Past Champions