Orlando Pirates embrace ‘clear favourites’ tag for Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says his reigning champions must accept the pressure of being “clear favourites” when they face Kaizer Chiefs in Saturday’s Soweto Derby.

The Buccaneers host Amakhosi in the first Betway Premiership derby of the 2026/27 season at FNB Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 3pm.

Both teams go into the fixture after impressive wins in the Carling Knockout Cup round of 16 on Tuesday. Kaizer Chiefs beat TS Galaxy 3-0, while Orlando Pirates recorded the same score against Milford FC.

Their league form, however, has created a clear gap between the rivals. Pirates are second in the table with 22 points from eight matches, one point behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns despite having played one match fewer.

Kaizer Chiefs are fifth with 14 points after drawing each of their past five league matches. Their midweek cup victory offered Fernando da Cruz’s side a timely lift before one of the biggest fixtures of the South African football calendar.

Ouaddou was speaking at Thursday’s official Soweto Derby press conference at the SuperSport TV studios in Randburg. The Moroccan coach led Pirates to their first league title in 14 years last season and is yet to lose against Kaizer Chiefs, with one win and one draw from his two meetings with Amakhosi.

Despite that record and last season’s success, Ouaddou said previous results would have no bearing on Saturday’s match.

“It is another game. We didn’t lose last season [against Chiefs], but for me, what we achieved last season is in the past,” he said.

“Well done to the boys, but we have to move on because football is always moving. It is a new season with new targets, and we have to plan properly for Chiefs. We need to have that positive arrogance.”

The coach acknowledged that Pirates’ status as defending champions meant they could not avoid the expectations surrounding them.

“We have to accept this position of being favourites because we are the champions. We have to embrace it. But at the same time, we are playing against a team with a new coach.”

Ouaddou nevertheless warned that Pirates’ superior league position would not be enough to secure victory. He believes Da Cruz’s arrival has brought new ideas and energy to Kaizer Chiefs, making the derby an even greater test.

“Yes, we are the favourites clear favourites but being favourites does not guarantee you a win,” Ouaddou said.

“Chiefs have a new coach, new energy, and new ideas, and they are doing a good job. So it is up to us to come with a lot of energy, execute our plan, and deliver a good game of football for the South African fans.”

With league points and local bragging rights at stake, Pirates must now justify their status if they are to extend their unbeaten record against Kaizer Chiefs under Ouaddou.