Few fixtures in South African football stir emotion quite like the Soweto derby, and in recent years Orlando Pirates have often found the cutting edge when it mattered most.
Although Kaizer Chiefs halted a run of five successive derby defeats in last year’s Nedbank Cup final, the Buccaneers have frequently relied on former stars to deliver decisive blows in this storied rivalry.
Across 66 meetings over the past 26 years, Chiefs hold a marginal advantage with 23 wins to Pirates’ 22, while 21 matches have ended level. The numbers underline the fine margins that define the clash. Yet within those tight contests, certain individuals have repeatedly risen to haunt Amakhosi.
Katlego Mashego was one such figure. Known as “Mahoota,” he enjoyed facing Chiefs and made his mark with a brace in a 2-1 victory during the 2008/09 campaign. He later struck the decisive goal in the second leg of the 2010 MTN8 semi-final, propelling Pirates to the final and ultimately to silverware.
Thembinkosi Lorch, affectionately called “Nyoso,” became another derby tormentor. With seven goals against Chiefs, he consistently delivered in high-stakes encounters.
His standout display came in 2021 when Pirates swept aside their rivals 3-0 in the MTN8, further cementing his big-match reputation before his move to Mamelodi Sundowns in 2024.
Patrick Maswanganyi etched his name into derby folklore with ice-cold composure. In the final Soweto derby of 2024, he converted a stoppage-time Panenka penalty after Relebohile Mofokeng was fouled, snatching victory just as Chiefs seemed set to escape with a draw.
Zakhele Lepasa’s impact was equally painful for Amakhosi. While on loan at TS Galaxy in 2019, he netted a late penalty in the Nedbank Cup final, sealing a historic triumph over Chiefs and becoming the first lower-division player to help lift the trophy against them.
The late Lesley Manyathela, nicknamed “Slow Poison,” also left an indelible mark, scoring twice in a commanding 3-0 derby win in 2001.
As the sides prepare to meet again at FNB Stadium on 28 February, history suggests Chiefs must be wary not only of Pirates’ current form but of the legacy of former Buccaneers who have so often ruined their day.
