Chiefs target redemption against Pirates in Soweto Derby

Kaizer Chiefs will look to prove that their recent resurgence is no flash in the pan when they take on Orlando Pirates in the second Soweto Derby of the Betway Premiership season.

The Glamour Boys enter the clash against the league leaders in third place, focused on securing qualification for next season’s CAF Confederation Cup. Amakhosi arrive in high spirits, having won five of their last six matches; their only recent blemish was a goalless draw against Polokwane City last Saturday.

Abafana base Phefeni also have revenge on their minds, seeking to atone for a bruising 3-0 defeat in their February league meeting.

READ: Ouaddou calls for humility as Pirates attempt to win sixth consecutive league Soweto Derby

"Listen, the last game, the moment wasn't good. It was a negative moment, the negative energy coming from a bad situation in the CAF Confed Cup," co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef reflected.

"It was mentally tough for the players... when you are in a bad moment, everything is tough. When you are in a good moment, everything is easy for you."

Reflecting on the upcoming Sunday showdown at a sold-out FNB Stadium, Ben Youssef warned the Buccaneers that they will face a transformed side.

"This game is totally different now," he cautioned. "The pressure is more on Orlando Pirates because dropping points can cost them the league. But for us, we have a big responsibility. We are managing every game as a cup game."

Ben Youssef believes the long-term project at Naturena is finally yielding results. The coach noted that the club has met its internal milestones regarding CAF qualification and league positioning.

"I think the project that we started last season, we are there," he said.

"Next season, whether we [Ben Youssef and co-coach Cedric Kaze] are here or not, it will be easier for the team because the structure and the game model are there."

With Chiefs scheduled to face both Pirates and defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns (on 6 May), many have labelled them the league’s "kingmakers." However, defender Given Msimango is downplaying the outside noise.

"I didn't even know up until I was told about it that we are somehow holding the fate of both teams," Msimango admitted. "None of that plays any relevance to what comes on Sunday. For us, that's our sole focus."

Brandon Peterson is expected to captain the side, hoping to lead Chiefs to their first derby win since the 2022/23 season. The goalkeeper missed the previous 3-0 loss due to emergency appendix surgery.

Beyond the three points, Peterson is eyeing a spot in Hugo Broos’s Bafana Bafana squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

"In the back of my mind, there's always the national team, but what's going to take me there is my performances at club level," the 31-year-old conceded. "There are six games to go. It's important to make sure that I finish in the best shape possible."

The dramatic turnaround in form follows a tense period in March 2026, when supporters marched to Naturena to protest a four-game losing streak. Former midfielder George Malulela believes the "tongue lashing" from management and fans sparked the current run.

"When they came back, they came back guns blazing," Malulela told Eyewitness News. "They should always strive to be the best, and I think they've shown that."