Focus on the Soweto Derby: Key statistics for Orlando Pirates against Kaizer Chiefs

Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs have both had strong seasons leading into this match, arriving with good momentum, yet Pirates hold an advantage against their longstanding opponents lately.

Below are the essential figures related to South Africas premier sports clash.

1 – Percy Chippa Moloi netted the initial Soweto Derby goal, helping Pirates secure a 6 to 4 victory on January 24, 1970, during the third place match in the Rogue Beer Cup.

3 – Pirates triumphed in the earlier league Derby encounter this season with a 3 to 0 scoreline in late February, marking their largest margin over Chiefs since 2020. Goals came from Tshepang Moremi, Oswin Appollis, and Evidence Makgopa.

3 – Jerry Sikhosana holds the distinction of the latest hat trick in the Derby, achieved during Pirates 4 to 1 success in 1996. Only three such feats have occurred overall, by Mugoyo for Chiefs, Henry Khumalo for Pirates, and Sikhosana.

3 – Evidence Makgopa has found the net in each of the previous three Derby clashes. He boasts four goals in these games total and has proven troublesome for Chiefs recently. Alfred Russia Jacobs of Pirates and Fani Madida of Chiefs each scored in four straight derbies, Jacobs in 1970 to 71 and Madida in 1991 to 92.

4 – A four goal difference represents the widest victory in Derby records, recorded twice by Chiefs with scores of 7 to 3 in 1972 and 5 to 1 in 1975, and once by Pirates at 5 to 1 in 1990.

6 – Pirates have claimed victory in six out of the most recent seven Derby encounters, featuring a streak of five consecutive wins that ended with Chiefs Nedbank Cup final success last May. This marks the most commanding period for Pirates against Chiefs ever.

6 – Six managers have led teams on both sides of the Derby, with Vladimir Vermezovic being the most recent. The list also features Kosta Papic, Walter da Silva, Ted Dumitru, Augusto Palacios, and Joe Frickleton.

8 – The highest number of Derby games in one season occurred in 1975, totalling eight across different tournaments.

10 – The highest goal tally in a single Derby stands at 10, seen in two instances, one being the debut match. Pirates won 6 to 4 in the 1970 Rogue Beer Cup. Chiefs responded with a 7 to 3 triumph in the 1972 Champions of Champions final second leg, after a 3 to 3 first leg draw.

11 – Derby history includes 11 own goals, seven from Pirates players and four from Chiefs. The most recent was by Pirates defender Olisa Ndah in February 2023.

11 – For the first time in 11 such fixtures, this Derby occurs on a Sunday. Previous ones took place on Saturdays. Midweek games are avoided nowadays, except on public holidays, due to safety concerns from the 2001 Ellis Park incident. The final midweek match was on Heritage Day, Tuesday September 24, 2013.

12 – Prior to Pirates emphatic 3 to 0 league victory earlier this year, the prior 12 fixtures were all settled by just one goal. Pirates 2 to 0 win in 2020 was the last multi goal margin, highlighting the closeness of recent contests.

17 – No draws have occurred in the past 17 official meetings since 2019. During this span, Pirates secured nine wins while Chiefs took eight. The previous stalemate was a 2 to 2 result in the 2019 Telkom Knockout.

19 – The quickest Derby goal came from Chiefs striker Mabhuti Khenyeza, just 19 seconds in, during a 2 to 2 tie in Durban in 2007.

19 – Chiefs icon Pule Ace Ntsoelengoe leads all time Derby scorers with 19 goals. Pirates record holder is Jomo Sono with nine.

24 – The last 10 Derby matches have produced 24 goals altogether, Pirates contributing 14 and Chiefs 10.

31 – Siphiwe Tshabalala owns the mark for most Derby outings. He debuted in November 2007 and concluded in 2018.

79 – Soccer City, now FNB Stadium, has been the site of 79 Derbies, encompassing the latest eight. Orlando Stadium hosted 63, starting with the inaugural game. The rivalry has appeared at 15 locations in all, such as Durban, Gqeberha, and Mdantsane.

184 – Since January 1970, there have been 184 official clashes. Chiefs lead with 75 victories, Pirates have 50, alongside 54 draws and five abandoned games.

203 – Pirates have tallied 203 goals versus Chiefs, reaching the 200 mark via Evidence Makgopas strike in last seasons 2 to 1 Nedbank Cup final loss. Chiefs total stands at 233.

94,000 – Derbies normally fill the 94,000 capacity FNB Stadium, though about 80,000 tickets are released for crowd control.