The 2026 Soweto Derby
The kick off to Mzansi’s biggest and most loved football event of the year is just around the corner. The Soweto Derby has been a mainstay of every South African soccer lover’s menu since it stated in 1970. The El Kasico is a matchup between two of Joburg’s biggest clubs and features the Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs. The iconic Makarapas is vital component of the match. Makarapas showcase the artistry of fans who hand-paint and cut the hard hats worn at the Derby.
The Derby is also known as one of the biggest derbies in Africa with its rivalry stemming from its roots. It’s history stretches back to the 1960s and lays the groundwork for the first match between the two football giants. The Soweto Derby in February is part of this iconic history. It all started with Kaizer Motuang who played professionally and for the Pirates and at a young age. He was recruited and went to go play overseas for the Atlanta Chiefs. Kaizer did well in the league and even received the rookie of the year award. But, Motuang was not happy at how the Pirates were being run upon his return. So he decided to create his own club called Kaizer Chiefs.
The club first only played friendly matches but quickly evolved into a team that was a strong competitor in the PSL. Pirates also quickly became popular and the most loved soccer team in South Africa. This rings true when looking the amount of fans that support the team at any venue in the country. It is especially true of the saying that Chiefs do not play an away game as their fans always outnumber the home team. Notably, the Soweto Derby in February often sees packed stadiums and huge excitement.
Soweto Derby Past Results
Here are the statistics of the between the two teams at the Soweto Derby. Teams have played a total of 106 matches since the competition began in 1970. Orlando Pirates are leading the charge having won the Derby 50 times. Patrick Ntsoelengoe who played during the seventies and eighties is the top goal scorer with 19 goals. He interestingly was the youth coach at Kaizer Chiefs at the time of his passing. The biggest win margin was by Pirates in 1998 when they won the match 5-1. Kaizer Chiefs however had the upper hand the last time that the two teams met in May 2025, winning the match 2-1. Consequently, the Soweto Derby in February will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike.
Derby fixtures in 2026
Organisers have scheduled two Soweto Derbies for 2026. Both matches set to take place at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg. The tickets to attend the match start from as little as R100 which should fill the stadium to capacity. The first match of this well loved Derby which features Kaizer Chiefs vs Orlando on 28 February 2026. Kicks off at 15:00. The Soweto Derby February encounter is expected to be one of the highlights of the football calendar. The next Soweto Derby will take place on the 25th of April with kick off at 15:30. There are still some time for both teams to get ready for the Derby. The results of the upcoming Betway Premiership can also influence the Top Soccer Betting Markets.
Orlando Pirates sit at the top of the Premiership log and will be bring that winning mindset into the first Derby. History tells us that it is notoriously difficult to predict which team will win on the day. The results of the Derby do not matter at the end of the day, as it represents more. It represents history, pride and the identity of South African football culture. Check out what odds the Top Soccer Betting Sites SA offer on SA’s favourite football match, especially for the Soweto Derby February clash.
Top Soccer Betting Sites in SA for the Soweto Derby
As the first Soweto Derby of 2026 between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates kicks off, South African punters are already lining up their bets. Therefore, choosing the right sportsbook becomes just as important as picking the correct scoreline. Leading platforms like 10bet and Betway consistently deliver competitive PSL odds, boosted match markets, and smooth mobile betting. Meanwhile, playTSOGO and Playbet add extra value with regular soccer promotions and user-friendly apps that keep you in the game from kickoff to the final whistle.
In addition, local favourites like bet.co.za, Mzansibet and Playa Bet continue to raise the bar with Bet Builders. As well as live betting options and Derby-day specials tailored for Mzansi fans. As a result, you can back your team on everything from first goalscorer and total goals to halftime results and correct score markets. Ultimately, when the energy runs high in Soweto, these top soccer betting sites ensure that every tackle, goal and VAR decision turns into a thrilling betting opportunity.
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