Ncikazi Points to Derby Dominance as Pirates Eye Crucial Blow Against Chiefs
As Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs prepare to renew hostilities in the Soweto Derby this afternoon, Pirates assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi believes history could provide the Buccaneers with a decisive edge.
The two Soweto giants meet at a sold-out FNB Stadium, with kickoff set for 3:30pm. Both teams enter the Betway Premiership clash determined to bounce back from recent disappointments, adding extra intensity to an already fierce rivalry.
Chiefs arrive wounded after suffering a 2–1 defeat to Stellenbosch FC in midweek league action. The loss compounded growing pressure on Amakhosi as they look to regain consistency in the domestic campaign.
Pirates, meanwhile, are still recovering from a shock Nedbank Cup elimination at the hands of Motsepe Foundation Championship side Casric Stars last weekend – a result that ended their hopes of adding another cup trophy to their cabinet this season.
Despite the recent setback, Ncikazi remains confident ahead of the derby, pointing to Pirates’ superior head-to-head record against their arch-rivals.
Speaking to club media in the build-up to the clash, Ncikazi described the encounter as the “biggest game on the continent” and emphasised that past statistics favour the Buccaneers.
According to the assistant coach, Pirates have won 23 derby matches compared to Chiefs’ 13 victories in the referenced period. The Buccaneers have also scored 54 goals in those encounters, while Chiefs have managed 28.
Defensively, Pirates boast an equally strong record, conceding just 14 goals compared to Chiefs’ 18 over the same span.
Orlando Pirates players at training ahead of the Soweto derby against Kaizer Chiefs (Image: @orlandopirates/ X)
“It’s a derby match, the biggest game on the continent,” Ncikazi said. “The stats show that we have won 23 matches and the opponents only 13. We’ve scored 54 goals and they’ve scored 28. We’ve conceded only 14 goals compared to their 18.”
However, he was quick to stress that numbers alone will not determine the outcome.
“The occasion is not played – we play the match based on analysis and preparation. If that is the case, I’m sure and confident that we will get the three points.”
With both sides eager to restore momentum in the Betway Premiership, the derby carries significant implications beyond local bragging rights.
Pirates will look to channel their cup disappointment into a statement league performance, while Chiefs aim to silence critics and respond to their recent league defeat.
In a fixture known for unpredictability, form often takes a back seat once the whistle blows. What remains certain is that a packed FNB Stadium will provide the backdrop for another chapter in one of African football’s most iconic rivalries.
As kickoff approaches, the question looms: will Pirates’ historical dominance continue, or can Chiefs rewrite the script when it matters most?