By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Orlando Pirates host Kaizer Chiefs in the first Betway Premiership derby of the 2026/27 season, with kick-off at 15:30 in a sold-out affair at the FNB Stadium.
The rivalry began on 24 January 1970, just 17 days after Kaizer Motaung formed Chiefs after his departure from Pirates.
The formation of the club and their early success coincided with the rise of the Black Consciousness Movement – a radical resistance movement during the days of apartheid. This is not to say that Chiefs or their supporters were all necessarily proponents of the views of Steve Biko, but rather that Chiefs seized the moment to engrain themselves in the national psyche as a symbol of Black excellence.
Ratha Mokgoatlheng, Msomi Khoza and Zero Johnson, who had been expelled by Pirates, were the first three players to cross the divide and represent Motaung’s newly formed club.
Both sides entered this week’s build-up with Carling Knockout Cup victories that provided contrasting messages from their coaches. Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz saw his side defeat TS Galaxy 3-0 at FNB Stadium, a result he described as important for confidence but far from perfect.
“Yes it’s the game that we wanted to win for confidence but if you analyse well, it’s not our best game. We have played better games before,” Da Cruz said.
He pointed to improved efficiency in front of goal as the key difference and expressed hope that the win would serve as a springboard.
“We’re having confidence in our model game but not in the efficiency and I hope we get ready… we will prepare the game for this Saturday.”
Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou was far less satisfied after his team’s 3-0 win over Milford FC.
“The positive point is these three goals and the clean sheet but to be honest, if we want to dream bigger, when I say dream bigger, it is to win the Betway, win the Champions League… I think if we continue like that, we’re going to win nothing… So, I was not happy about the game.”
Gamphani Lungu was hauled off in the 38th minute of Pirates win over Milford. This may have been a precautionary measure due to his previous injury, but may also have been a tactical switch.
Mohau Nkota, Evidence Makgopa and Thalenthe Mbatha have seen increased minutes in recent weeks, as the three Bafana internationals work their way back to full fitness from injuries. However, Kamogelo Sebelebele has yet to return from a knock.
Chiefs welcomed back goalkeeper Brandon Petersen and centre-back Rushiw Dortley to their starting lineup from injury absences in the win over Galaxy – both major boosts for da Cruz. Bradley Cross, who only recently returned from an injury, sat out the game.
Pirates did the double over Amakhosi in 2023-24 and 2024-25 and picked up four points against them in two matches last season. However, Chiefs did manage to beat Pirates in the 2025 Nedbank Cup final.