Soweto Derby venue remains undecided despite Orlando Pirates listing

The venue for the next Soweto Derby has not yet been confirmed, despite the Premier Soccer League fixture list naming Orlando Amstel Arena as the setting for Orlando Pirates’ home match against Kaizer Chiefs on 31 October 2026.

The listing on the Premier Soccer League website has prompted considerable debate among supporters. Orlando Amstel Arena has a capacity of between 37,000 and 40,000, while FNB Stadium, the traditional venue for the derby, can accommodate more than 94,000 fans.

Stadium Management South Africa managing director Bertie Grobbelaar said discussions with Orlando Pirates had not yet taken place and that the fixture listing should not be considered a final decision.

“The fixture will always say Orlando Stadium because it’s Orlando Pirates’ home game, but then there’s negotiations going on, so it’s not decided yet,” Grobbelaar told KickOff exclusively.

He explained that the listing reflects the fact that Pirates are the designated home side, rather than confirming the eventual location of the match.

“So, it’s not being decided yet. But you can check, in all previous years, it always says Orlando Stadium when it’s Pirates’ game. But nothing has been confirmed yet. We hadn’t had negotiations yet, we will meet next week with the club. It’s always been like that, it’s their home fixture and their home grounds,” he added.

The planned meeting between Stadium Management South Africa and Orlando Pirates will determine whether the derby remains at Orlando Amstel Arena or is transferred to FNB Stadium.

With those negotiations still pending, FNB Stadium remains an option for the fixture. A move to the larger venue would allow more supporters to attend one of the biggest matches on the African football calendar.