Orlando Pirates - Kaizer Chiefs : Head-to-head history

Ahead of the October 31 derby, a look at Pirates and Chiefs’ head-to-head record, with both unbeaten in the league

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Orlando Pirates - Kaizer Chiefs : Head-to-head history

31.10.26 09:30 South African Betway Premiership

Orlando Pirates

Kaizer Chiefs

Two unbeaten league sides meet in the Soweto derby. Ahead of their reunion, their head-to-head history offers a different perspective on the balance of power.

South Africa is preparing for its most iconic football fixture. Orlando Pirates face Kaizer Chiefs at Johannesburg’s FNB Stadium on Saturday, October 31, with kick-off at 15:30 local time, in the ninth round of the Betway Premiership. The Soweto derby will be played in front of a sellout crowd.

Second with 22 points from eight matches, Pirates remain close to leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who have 23 points from nine games. Chiefs sit fifth with 14 points from eight outings. Both rivals are unbeaten: the Buccaneers have seven wins and one draw, while Amakhosi have three victories and five draws.

Their continental campaigns have taken different paths, however. Pirates reached the CAF Champions League group stage, while Chiefs were eliminated from the CAF Confederation Cup by Red Arrows.

Chiefs retain the historical advantage

The rivalry dates back to January 1970, when Pirates won the first meeting 6-4 in the Rogue Cup. More than half a century later, however, Chiefs hold the overall advantage.

The record in official meetings since 1970, including the draw on April 26, 2026, stands as follows:

Kaizer Chiefs - 75 wins.
Orlando Pirates - 50 wins.
Draws - 55.

Five other matches were abandoned. That brings the historical total to 185 meetings before Saturday’s clash, with 180 completed.

Orlando Pirates have Lost just one game in Their Last 16 Matches in all competitions. Kaizer Chiefs are winless in their last six matches in all competitions. Pirates are also unbeaten in Their Last Six League meetings against Kaizer Chiefs. OCTOBER 31ST. THE SOWETO DERBY❗ https://t.co/AH54LqavEF
— mrnigerianfootball (@CFCNigerian) October 27, 2026

Pirates have dominated recent league derbies

Recent league form between the rivals has been much more favourable to the Buccaneers. They are unbeaten in their last six league derbies, with five wins and one draw. Chiefs’ most recent league victory over Pirates dates back to February 2023.

On February 28, 2026, Pirates made a statement with a 3-0 win. The teams then played out a 1-1 draw in April’s derby. Across those two most recent league meetings, the Buccaneers scored four goals and conceded just one.

Chiefs’ cup success offers a reminder

That unbeaten run applies only to league fixtures. On May 10, 2025, Amakhosi beat Pirates 2-1 in the Nedbank Cup final, ending a decade without a trophy.

Both sides also approach this derby after 3-0 Carling Knockout wins on Tuesday: Pirates against Milford and Chiefs against TS Galaxy. The Buccaneers’ recent advantage therefore comes up against opponents who are also heading into the match with renewed confidence.

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