Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs might actually have a rivalry again soon?

Orlando Pirates and kaizer chiefs love to hate one another. The rivalry could be going up a notch this season though.


Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs have started well

With two wins from two, Pirates and Chiefs have made 100% starts to their respective Betway Premiership campaigns. Chiefs will come up against the ultimate test, however, when they face Sundowns on Saturday. Pirates travel to Richards Bay with a deep-looking squad.

Orlando Pirates betway premiership
Orlando Pirates fans are expectant on Soweto Derby Day. Image: BackpagePix

Soweto rivalry will always be there

Despite the recent dominance of Sundowns, Pirates and Chiefs garner spectacular interest and debate around South Africa. They’ll always be rivals, but 2024-2025 could be the season when both sides make concerted pushes for the title. The country comes to a standstill when the Soweto Derby rolls around, but it would take on extra meaning and significance on xxx February if Amakhosi and the Buccaneers are still near the summit.


Mofokeng and Mdu will add a dimension

The prodigiously talented Relebohile Mofokeng is getting better and better each day. The sky is the limit for the teenager who only turns 20 in October and is already a key operator for Bafana Bafana. 20-year-old Mduduzi Shabalala has been part of the furniture at Naturena for some time now and might be slightly behind Mofokeng in his journey, but 2024-2025 looks like a real breakout season. He scored on the opening day against Gallants and has started both league games in the fabled number 10 role this term. The trust from the board and management is there, now he must embrace it.

Kaizer Chiefs star
Mduduzi Shabalala of Kaizer Chiefs. Image: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

Pirates are cup specialists and are back in Caf Competition

Pirates are back at the top table of African continental competition following their routine aggregate win over Jwaneng Galaxy. They’ll participate in the 2024-2024 Caf Champions League group stages, and they bank a minimum of R12 million in the process. Advancement to the quarter-finals would swell Pirates’ earnings to R15.6 million and the money keeps on getting better the further they go. The defending MTN8 and Nedbank Cup winners will add another trophy to their cabinet if they beat Stellies in the MTN8 final on October 5th.


When last did Chiefs win a trophy?

Amakhosi’s last league crown and taste of silverware came in 2015 under Stuart Baxter. They’ll be expected to climb the table under new boss Nasreddine Nabi after a disappointing tenth-place finish last term. A deep run in the Nedbank Cup will also be demanded by supporters, perhaps they’ll lock horns with Pirates along the way?

Kaizer Chiefs Coach
Kaizer Chiefs fans encapsulating the passion of a Soweto Derby. Image: BackpagePix

Will Chiefs be a genuine title contender this season?

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