Orlando Pirates boosted by trio return ahead of Soweto Derby

Orlando Pirates have received a timely boost ahead of this weekend’s Soweto derby against Kaizer Chiefs, with three players set to return to contention.

Thalente Mbatha, Andre de Jong and Evidence Makgopa are all expected to be available after missing the Buccaneers’ recent clash against AmaZulu, giving head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou more options as he prepares for Sunday’s showdown at FNB Stadium.

Pirates are likely to field a strong lineup as they chase maximum points in their remaining five league matches.

While their title hopes remain slim, the Buccaneers could still mount a late push if they win all their fixtures and Mamelodi Sundowns drop points in their final six games.

Orlando Pirates desperate for win

Pirates’ focus will be firmly on Chiefs, a side they comfortably defeated 3-0 in the reverse Betway Premiership fixture back in February.

That result extended the Buccaneers dominance in recent derbies, marking their fifth consecutive league victory over their Soweto rivals.

It was also their biggest win in the fixture since a 3-0 triumph during the 2001/02 season, underlining their recent superiority in one of South African football’s most iconic clashes.

Despite Pirates’ current momentum, history shows a more balanced contest. Chiefs enjoyed a similarly dominant spell not long ago, registering five straight derby wins between the latter stages of the 2020/21 season and the 2022/23 campaign.

Looking at the broader picture, the rivalry remains finely poised. Over the last 50 Soweto derby meetings, Orlando Pirates have recorded 15 wins and scored 51 goals, while Kaizer Chiefs hold a slight edge with 17 victories and 50 goals, highlighting just how competitive this storied fixture continues to be.