Orlando Pirates have dominated Kaizer Chiefs in recent years, winning five consecutive Soweto derbies before their streak was ended in last year’s Nedbank Cup final, where Amakhosi finally got the better of their rivals.
Over the past 26 years, the two Soweto giants have clashed 66 times. Chiefs hold a slight edge with 23 victories, while Pirates have won 22 matches.
A further 21 encounters have ended in draws, underlining just how closely contested this rivalry has been.
The derby has produced countless dramatic moments and unlikely heroes.
Here, we focus on five former Pirates players who rose to the occasion and inspired the Buccaneers to memorable victories over their bitter rivals.
Katlego Mashego
“Mahoota” relished facing Chiefs during his playing days. He first punished the Glamour Boys in the 2008/09 season, scoring a brace to hand Pirates a 2-1 victory.
Mashego also netted a crucial second-leg winner against Amakhosi to send the Buccaneers into the 2010 MTN8 final. Pirates went on to lift the trophy, ending a one-year silverware drought.
Thembinkosi Lorch
Thembinkosi Lorch, affectionately known as “Nyoso”, was a constant thorn in Chiefs’ side. He scored seven goals in Soweto derbies and consistently delivered on the big stage before departing for Mamelodi Sundowns in 2024.
One of his most memorable strikes came in 2021, when the Pirates thrashed the Chiefs 3-0 in the MTN8. His derby exploits often drew comparisons to Pirates legend Jerry Sikhosana.
Patrick Maswanganyi
Patrick Maswanganyi etched his name into derby folklore with a dramatic last-minute penalty in 2024.
Just as it seemed Amakhosi would secure a draw against a dominant Pirates side, Relebohile Mofokeng was brought down in the box. Maswanganyi stepped up in stoppage time and coolly converted a Panenka to seal a famous victory in the final Soweto derby of 2024.
Pirates have gotten the better of Chiefs in recent years
Zakhele Lepasa
Zakhele Lepasa scored just once against Chiefs in Pirates colours, during the 2020/21 MTN8 first leg but his most painful blow to Amakhosi came while on loan at TS Galaxy.
In 2019, Lepasa converted a late penalty to help TS Galaxy become the first lower-division side to win the Nedbank Cup, defeating Chiefs in the final.
The fact that he was a Pirates loanee at the time only added salt to Amakhosi’s wounds.
Lesley Manyathela
The late Lesley Manyathela, famously nicknamed “Slow Poison”, showed no mercy in the derby.
In 2001, he struck twice in a commanding 3-0 win over Chiefs, delivering one of the most memorable individual performances in Soweto derby history.
Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs meet for the first time this season on 28 February at the FNB Stadium.
