Classic clashes: Rewriting the epics of the Soweto Derby

With 176 Soweto derbies under their belt since the inaugural clash on 24 January 1970, let's dive into the annals of South African history and relive a handful of the most iconic encounters that have shaped this fierce rivalry.

Soweto Derby Statistics (Since 24 January 1970):

Kaizer Chiefs Wins: 74
Orlando Pirates Wins: 47
Draws: 54
Matches Abandoned: 5
Kaizer Chiefs Goals Scored: 231
Orlando Pirates Goals Scored: 195

1. 24 January 1970 – Rogue Beer Cup Third Place Play-off:
Kaizer Chiefs (2) 4 (Pule Ntsoelengoe 2, Petros Nzimande, Jacob Masike)
Orlando Pirates (2) 6 (Percy Moloi, Petros Nzimande own goal, Remember Majoe 2, Bernard Hartze 2)

In a tournament sponsored by South African Breweries, the maiden encounter between Chiefs and Pirates unfolded in a thrilling third-place play-off. Despite a calamitous own goal by Chiefs' Petros 'Ten-Ten' Nzimande, the match witnessed a rollercoaster of goals, culminating in a 6-4 victory for Orlando Pirates.

2. 4 April 1971 – Champion of Champions Final, Second Leg:
Orlando Pirates (0) 3 (Henry Khumalo 3, 1 pen)
Kaizer Chiefs (0) 1 (Peter Mokotedi)

Henry Khumalo emerged as the hero for Orlando Pirates in the second leg of the Champion of Champions Final. Coming on as a second-half substitute, Khumalo orchestrated a remarkable comeback, propelling Pirates to a 3-1 victory and securing the trophy with a late penalty.

3. 25 July 1992 – Coca-Cola Cup First Round:
Kaizer Chiefs (0) 3 (Fani Madida 2, 1 pen, Albert Bwalya)
Orlando Pirates (1) 2 (Tsepo Ntsoane, David Nyathi) after extra time

In a gripping encounter that saw Chiefs clawing back from a two-goal deficit, Fani Madida's heroics ensured a dramatic turnaround, sealing a 3-2 victory for the AmaKhosi in extra time.

4. 17 March 2012 – League:
Orlando Pirates (3) 3 (Benni McCarthy 2, Andile Jali)
Kaizer Chiefs (1) 2 (Siphiwe Tshabalala, Lehlohonolo Majoro)

Benni McCarthy stole the show with a brace for Orlando Pirates, inspiring a thrilling 3-2 victory. Despite a spirited fightback from Kaizer Chiefs, Pirates held on to secure a vital three points in their quest for the league title.

5. 12 February 1972 – Champion of Champions Final, Second Leg:
Orlando Pirates (2) 3 (David Fakude pen, Blessing Mgidi, Alfred Jacobs)
Kaizer Chiefs (0) 7 (Joseph Setlhodi pen, Herman Blaschke, Ariel Kgongoane, Michael Dlamini, Kaizer Motaung, Johnny Mokoena 2) after extra time

In an unforgettable comeback, Kaizer Chiefs staged a remarkable resurgence from two goals down at halftime. Led by Johnny Mokoena's heroics, Chiefs orchestrated a stunning 7-3 victory in extra time, etching their name in Soweto Derby folklore.

As the Soweto Derby gears up for another epic chapter, football enthusiasts brace themselves for yet another exhilarating clash between these two titans of South African football.