By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Caption: Abdeslam Ouaddou coach of Orlando Pirates (left) with Cedric Kaze co coach of Kaizer Chiefs, during the Betway Premiership 2025/26 Soweto Derby Press Conference at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Nasrec on Thursday. Photo Credit: BackpagePix.
Orlando Pirates will host the highly anticipated clash at a sold-out FNB Stadium, looking to replicate their dominant 3-0 victory over Kaizer Chiefs.
A win is crucial for Pirates to maintain their position at the top of the PSL table, especially with Mamelodi Sundowns also in action against Richards Bay on the same day. Chiefs are aiming to solidify their hold on third place.
Speaking during a press conference in Johannesburg, Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou explained how big the upcoming derby is and the importance of playing it.
“It will be important because you’re not just playing the derby,” Ouaddou said.
“The players have the history and legacy in mind, and it is one of the best games in Africa, not only in South Africa. This game is watched by people all over Africa and Europe. As I come from France, I can tell you that many people are asking about the game, and similarly, in England, where I played, many people are eager to watch it.”
“I’ve even received calls from the USA. So, a lot of people are doing a good job preparing for the derby, and for us, it will be very important to prepare as well.”
The Moroccan mentor is adamant that his tactical approach and the team’s mental fortitude will remain unchanged regardless of the opponent.
“We’ve been taking care of ourselves since the beginning of the season, focusing on how we want to compete and play against opponents,” the coach explained.
“Whether we’re playing away or at home, our goal is to win. We won’t change our fighting spirit to start the game, and we know our target for the end of the season. We’re giving it our all, 100% commitment every day to reach the target.”
Reflecting on the magnitude of the fixture, Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben-Youssef was quick to strip away the emotion surrounding the rivalry.
Ben-Youssef insists their fortunes will be different this time, even though Pirates will be tough hosts amid their title aspirations.
“Now, there’s a big difference between the first and second derby,” Ben Youssef stated. “Every team has been performing well in the last six or seven games. We are coming from six games – five wins and one draw.
“I think it’s not for me to speak about the performance of Pirates, from the start of the season. They had a very good performance with coach Abdeslam. I think on the day of the derby, the team that makes fewer mistakes will be ready to challenge.”
“We were unlucky that we had a lot of injuries. The difficult thing for a job is that when you have injuries, you have to make substitutions and you don’t have consistency,” he explained.
“Now in the last five or six games, it’s been relatively the same squad. When the consistency is there, the performance and the results are there. Unfortunately, we missed a lot of chances and points. The performance was good, but we didn’t score. But we found balance in the last two games.
“We’ve got the energy, and the vibe. All the players are ready and fit; they are sending a strong message that they are ready – mentally, fitness and training wise in the last three weeks. We are ready to win this game, Inshallah.”
The 183rd Soweto Derby sees Pirates aiming for a record 6th consecutive win, while Chiefs seek to end a 10-year trophy drought.
Pirates and Chiefs will always be remembered for being at the forefront of the revolution within South African football and their success continued in a democratic South Africa.