Orlando Pirates vs Kaizer Chiefs: 7 players who could decide 182nd Soweto Derby

Orlando Pirates will host bitter rivals Kaizer Chiefs in the 182^nd Soweto Derby at a sold-out FNB Stadium on Sunday, April 26 and there are players that will play a key role for either side.

Pirates are riding high as they lead the PSL standings with 58 points from 25 games, one more than Mamelodi Sundowns, who have played 24, while Chiefs are also in great form, having won five and drawn another of their last six games to remain firmly in third place.

In that kind of form, it is difficult to tell how the game will pan out but it could be decided by fine margins, tactical tweaks and a number of players from both sides.

So, who could be the deciding factor in the Soweto Derby?

Possible Soweto Derby match winners

Orlando Pirates

Relebohile Mofokeng

Only one place to start, the PSL Player of the Season favourite has been the star of 2026 in the league with 10 goals in his last 12 games, a period in which he has also weighed in with five assists in the league.

In total, Rele has 11 goals and eight assists this season and has come up with many clutch moments for Pirates, creating chances or scoring goals out of nothing, while his ability to play in tight spaces will give the Chiefs defence plenty of problems. He provided an assist in the 3-0 win over Chiefs in February.

Oswin Appollis

Just like his teammate Mofokeng, Appollis’ first season at Pirates has seen him light it up and he has 11 goals and nine assists, eight of the goals in the strikes in the league, including one against Chiefs in February.

Good at getting into the box or scoring from tight angles, Appollis could torment the Chiefs defence again if they do not watch him closely and is likely set to be the difference maker on Sunday.

Nkosinathi Sibisi

The Pirates captain is the leader of the group but also of the defence which has so far let in just 11 goals in 25 games, the best in the division.

He organises the team at the back but also remains resolute and does not give attackers a sniff at goal, something that will be required against a Chiefs team hungry for a first derby win in six attempts.

Kaizer Chiefs

Brandon Petersen

The Chiefs goalkeeper has been a key component of an impressive defence that has let in 14 goals, and he is only second to Pirates’ Sipho Chaine on the Golden Glove race with 13 clean sheets.

However, Petersen has played 19 games to Chaine’s 25, having missed five matches starting with the derby defeat in February but since his return, Chiefs have looked assured at the back as he does not just pull off key saves but also organises the back four.

Lebohang Maboe

Since arriving at Chiefs, the former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder has brought calmness and quality in central midfield, driving his team forward while protecting the defence.

He is key to the many clean sheets Chiefs have kept while he has also acted as the deep-lying playmaker which has earned him a number of Man of the Match awards and that will be crucial in the biggest game in South Africa.

Glody Lilepo

If Mofokeng has been the clutch player for Pirates, then Lilepo is for Chiefs as he has delivered key match-winning performances this season.

Whether playing on the wing or in a front two, Lilepo’s pace, tenacity and eye for goal has carried Chiefs to wins, sometimes in tight matches that needed a moment of brilliance.

The Congolese has eight goals and three assists this season, four in the league, with two of them earning Chiefs six points while another two ensured their lead was safe.

Flavio Silva

Chiefs’ main man this season, the Guinea-Bissau international is the club’s leading scorer with nine goals, seven in the league, and helped his team to key wins in tight games.

His movement in and around the box, his ability in the air and a poacher’s instinct makes him dangerous and Pirates have their work cut out.