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Four goals to one across the last two league meetings. Pirates have the stronger record, but both rivals remain unbeaten in the Premiership — and both won 3-0 in the Carling Knockout on Tuesday.Picture: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers
THE NUMBERS tell an interesting story ahead of Saturday’s Soweto Derby: Orlando Pirates have scored four goals to Kaizer Chiefs’ one across the last two league meetings, yet both sides remain unbeaten in the Betway Premiership this season.
The Soweto rivals meet at FNB Stadium on Saturday, October 31, with Pirates second on the table and Chiefs fifth. Their latest league records underline the difference between them: Pirates have won seven and drawn one of their eight matches, while Chiefs have won three and drawn five. Neither has lost in the league this season.
Here are the numbers behind the rivalry, as we consider how things can pan out on Saturday.
Pirates have had the upper hand in the two most recent league meetings, scoring four goals and conceding one.
Remember though, that is a useful snapshot of recent form between the rivals, rather than a claim about their entire history. And on the day, as we all know, anything can happen.
On February 28, Pirates beat Chiefs 3-0 at FNB Stadium. Tshepang Moremi opened the scoring in the fifth minute, Oswin Appollis added a second in the 39th, and substitute Evidence Makgopa completed the result in the 79th minute.
The early goal gave Pirates a platform, while Appollis struck before half-time. Makgopa’s late contribution ensured a convincing scoreline. Chiefs never seemed to have a chance.
The teams returned to FNB Stadium on April 26, with neither able to claim all three points. Chiefs took the lead through Pule Mmodi in the 62nd minute, but Kamogelo Sebelebele equalised for Pirates 13 minutes later.
The 1-1 draw showed that the gap between the teams is not always reflected in a decisive result. Chiefs led for 13 minutes before Pirates found a response.
Fans probably left the stadium hoarse.
After eight league matches this season, Pirates have 22 points from seven wins and one draw. Their 19 goals scored and one conceded give them a goal difference of plus 18.
Chiefs have 14 points, having won three and drawn five. They have scored 13 goals and conceded eight, leaving them with a plus-five goal difference. The figures point to a Pirates side that has been more productive in attack and considerably harder to score against.
The Buccaneers seem to be on a roll, while the Amakhosi are grinding along.
Five draws in eight league matches account for much of the difference between the sides. Chiefs have avoided defeat, but their three wins leave them eight points behind Pirates, despite having played the same number of league games.
That unbeaten record matters, but the gap on the table shows why remaining difficult to beat and consistently winning are two different things.
Tuesday’s Carling Knockout results – though not Betway Premiership fixtures – added a fresh twist to the build-up. Pirates beat Milford FC 3-0, with Thapelo Mokobodi scoring and Moremi adding a brace. Chiefs also won 3-0, with Wandile Duba scoring all three goals against TS Galaxy.
The results offer both sides a confidence boost, although we should remember that cup performances do not alter their league records.
One last thing: Recent results may favour Orlando Pirates, but Kaizer Chiefs retain the historical edge in the Soweto Derby. A tally published before the February 2026 meeting gave Amakhosi 75 wins to Pirates’ 49, with 54 draws and five abandoned matches recorded separately.
Since then, Pirates have won once and the teams have drawn once, taking the tally on that basis to 75 Chiefs wins, 50 Pirates wins and 55 draws, with five abandoned matches.
The historical advantage therefore remains with Chiefs, even as Pirates have enjoyed the better results in recent league meetings. The figures cover the rivalry across competitions, rather than league matches alone.
So in that nutshell we are all so fond of, the recent head-to-head favours Pirates, the current league statistics favour Pirates, and both teams have won their latest cup ties. But the 1-1 draw in April is a reminder that derby day rarely follows a script.
Saturday’s meeting will provide the next set of numbers.
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