Posted in News, Team News on Feb 28, 2026.
The biggest sporting event in South Africa has arrived! Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs lock horns with arch-rivals Orlando Pirates in the Betway Premiership at the iconic Soweto Derby. This mega clash, which divides the nation, kicks off at 15:30 at FNB Stadium.
The hunger among fans was evident when tickets sold out within hours. Supporters from all nine provinces, neighbouring countries, and beyond are flocking to Johannesburg, promising another bumper occasion.
With the league still wide open, Amakhosi sit fourth on the log with 30 points from 16 matches, while the Buccaneers occupy second place with 38 points from 17 fixtures.
Both teams’ coaches will lead their sides for the first time in a Soweto Derby. However, the Chiefs duo Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef were part of the technical team last season during the two league matches, as well as the memorable Nedbank Cup final victory over Pirates in May.
Both sides suffered defeats in their previous league outings, making today’s three points and bragging rights crucial as they meet for the 184th time in all competitions since 1970.
Chiefs welcome back several players from injury, though they will have to cope with the absence of captain and goalkeeper Brandon Petersen, who underwent emergency surgery this week. He is expected to return after recovery.
Bruce Bvuma steps in for his fourth Soweto Derby appearance. In defence, Inacio Miguel returns from injury to replace Paseka Mako, while Thabiso Monyane comes in for Dillan Solomons. The final change sees Pule Mmodi starting ahead of Ashley du Preez.
It is a 5-3-2 formation for Amakhosi this afternoon.
Bvuma steps in as the goalie this afternoon.
He will be protected by Aden McCarthy on the left, Miguel at the centre, and Zitha Kwinika on the right. Left and right wing-backs are Mmodi and Monyane, respectively.
After combining well on Tuesday, the midfield trio of Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, Lebohang Maboe and Ethan Chislett are retained.
After scoring on Tuesday, Flavio da Silva partners Glody Lilepo in attack.
The referee is Eugene Mdluli. He is assisted by Elphas Sitole and Lalelani Mngadi. The fourth official is Thando Ndzandzeka.
Action for the biggest’s Betway Premiership match of the season, which is between the Glamour Boys and the Buccaneers, kicks off at 15:30 at FNB stadium in Nasrec.
The Soweto Derby match will be live on SuperSport’s PSL channel 202 on DStv, SABC 1 and various SABC radio stations. There will be regular updates on the Club’s X (formerly known as Twitter) account, @kaizerchiefs.
Subs: Ntwari (71); Mako (29), Cross (48), Solomons (18), Cele (21), Sirino (10), Velebayi (17), Du Preez (9), Duba (47)
Coaches: Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze
Pirates XI: Chaine (24); Sibisi (5), Seema (33), Sibelebele (36), Hotto (7), Makhaula (8), Mofokeng (38), Mbatha (16), Mbuthuma (9), Moremi (11), Appolis (12)
Subs: Buthelezi (35); Dansin (46), Chabatsane (43), Masanganyi (28), Van Rooyen (21), Makgopa (17), Nemtajela (15), De Jong (14), Ndaba (3)
Coach: Ouaddou Abdeslami
