Pirates and chiefs announce starting line-ups ahead of soweto derby clash

pirates and chiefs confirm starting line-ups for highly anticipated soweto derby

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA — 31 OCTOBER 2026

Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs have officially confirmed their starting line-ups for the highly anticipated Soweto Derby at a sold-out FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The two Soweto giants meet in the 186th official edition of one of African football’s biggest rivalries, with pride, bragging rights and valuable Betway Premiership points at stake.

Both teams head into the encounter with confidence after recording convincing 3-0 victories in the Carling Knockout Cup during the week. Pirates defeated Milford FC, while Chiefs overcame TS Galaxy, with Wandile Duba scoring a memorable hat-trick.

Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has selected Sipho Chaine in goal, with Nkosinathi Sibisi captaining the side. The defensive unit includes Deon Hotto, Lebone Seema and Nkosikhona Ndaba.

In midfield, Thalente Mbatha, Thapelo Mokobodi and Simphiwe Selepe have been selected to provide energy and creativity. The attacking responsibility falls on Tshepang Moremi, Simphiwe Masilela and Yanela Mbuthuma.

Orlando Pirates starting XI: Chaine; Ndaba, Seema, Sibisi (captain), Hotto; Selepe, Mbatha, Mokobodi; Moremi, Masilela, Mbuthuma.

Meanwhile, Fernando Da Cruz has also named a strong Kaizer Chiefs team as Amakhosi look to produce a positive result against their biggest rivals.

Brandon Petersen captains the team from goal, while Reeve Frosler, Inacio Miguel, Thabo Moloisane and Paseka Mako form the defensive line.

Sibongiseni Mthethwa, Lebohang Maboe and Mduduzi Shabalala have been selected in midfield, with Pule Mmodi, Mfundo Vilakazi and in-form striker Wandile Duba leading the attacking department.

Miguel’s return to the starting line-up is one of the notable selection decisions, with the defender replacing Rushwin Dortley in central defence.

Kaizer Chiefs starting XI: Petersen (captain); Frosler, Miguel, Moloisane, Mako; Mthethwa, Maboe, Shabalala; Mmodi, Vilakazi, Duba.

The match presents an important opportunity for Pirates to strengthen their position near the top of the league standings. Chiefs, meanwhile, will be eager to turn their unbeaten league campaign into more victories after a series of draws.

With both coaches selecting competitive combinations, supporters can expect an intense contest between two sides determined to make a statement.

Kick-off is scheduled for 15:30 at FNB Stadium, with the venue sold out for the occasion. The starting line-ups have now been confirmed, and attention shifts to the players as the latest chapter of the Soweto Derby gets underway.

Source https://x.com/KickOffMagazine/status/2116504904831283548

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