Kaizer Chiefs News Today: Who can help win Soweto derby?

The latest Kaizer Chiefs news in the last 24 hours including club having players to challenge for top honours, Rushwin Dortley return hailed, stars who might determine Soweto derby’s outcome, and more.

Chiefs latest news as they break

Chiefs have qualities to compete for honours

Kaizer Chiefs legend Reneilwe Letsholonyane believes Amakhosi have the quality to compete for honours this season, but insists the responsibility now lies with the players to turn their fortunes around.

Letsholonyane, who currently coaches Botswana side Mochudi Centre Chiefs, has offered his assessment of his former club following their inconsistent start to the campaign, which was further compounded by their CAF Confederation Cup elimination against Zambian outfit Red Arrows.

The former Bafana Bafana international admits he was encouraged by what he initially saw from the Soweto giants.

“When the league started, I remember saying that this was the most organised Chiefs that I’ve seen in a very long time. They looked organised in how they played. Things were clear in how they defended, how they attacked and how they wanted to play,” Letsholonyane told iDiski Times.

"When the league started, I remember saying that this was the most organised Chiefs that I’ve seen in a very long time. They looked organised in how they played.

"But in the end, the people that are playing are the players. The players must also work hard, put in more effort,… pic.twitter.com/z5A4nLiRdE
— iDiski Times (@iDiskiTimes) October 30, 2026

However, injuries, changing combinations and a run of disappointing results have contributed to what he describes as a prolonged difficult period, with supporters beginning to lose patience with the rebuilding process. While acknowledging the pressure on the technical team, Letsholonyane believes the players must take greater responsibility.

“I don’t think it’s about the coach. Yes, the coach does the training, but in the end, the people that are playing are the players. The players must also work hard, put in more effort, grind out the results and show who they really are and that they want it.”

Attention now turns to the Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates, with both sides heading into the encounter unbeaten in the Betway Premiership.

Having experienced the occasion as a Chiefs player, Letsholonyane understands the pressure surrounding Derby week, warning that coaches must carefully manage their squads and ensure players remain focused on the immediate challenge.

Wandile Duba and Mduduzi Shabalala — Kaizer Chiefs’ Mfundo Vilakazi and Wandile Duba, Image – Kaizer Chiefs

He also stressed the importance of Chiefs avoiding back-to-back defeats heading into a fixture of such magnitude.

“I know we usually say form doesn’t matter in the Derby, but the fact is you cannot go as Kaizer Chiefs into a Derby having lost two games. It doesn’t sit well with the team; the brand or the direction of how the brand wants to align things. So, it was good that they beat TS Galaxy [in the Carling Knockout midweek] after that CAF loss.

“If Chiefs win their next two games, the Derby and the following one, the language becomes different. Suddenly, it could be a three-horse race.”

Petersen welcomes Dortley return

Kaizer Chiefs captain Brandon Petersen has opened up on the return of Rushwin Dortley for the Soweto Derby showdown against Orlando Pirates.

Dortley recently returned to action after an extended spell on the sidelines through injury, with his availability providing Amakhosi with another important option as they look to strengthen their defensive department ahead of one of the biggest fixtures on the South African football calendar.

Petersen, who understands the challenges of recovering from a lengthy injury lay-off, was delighted to see the defender back in contention and believes his quality will add further value to the squad.

"It's very good to have him back. We know the quality Rushwin has, it's up to us now come the weekend we have the best combination with one goal in mind."

Kaizer Chiefs captain Brandon Petersen has opened up on the return of Rushwin Dortley for the Soweto Derby showdown against… pic.twitter.com/LLVq2H08sn
— iDiski Times (@iDiskiTimes) October 30, 2026

“It’s very good to have him back, being on the sidelines for so long is never easy, speaking from experience, knowing that when you have that kind of injury, the closer it gets, you start itching, you start making the matchday squad and then the chance to play,” Petersen said.

“I think the important thing is that first game – coming back and obviously that’s done now, and for us as a team, it’s added value to what we already have, we know the quality Rushwin has, it’s up to us now come the weekend we have the best combination with one goal in mind.”

Kaizer Chiefs defender Rushiwn Dortley. Image: Kaizer Chiefs

The Chiefs captain also acknowledged the importance of the upcoming Derby, with the Glamour Boys knowing that every point matters as they look to close the gap on their rivals.

“I think every point matters, coming into this weekend, playing a team on top of us, you wanna make sure you come home with three points to make sure they don’t run away with the points [in the league]. But at the end of the day, it’s also important to see where we are at this stage of the season,” he said.

Stars who can determine the Soweto derby

Orlando Pirates legend Eugene Zwane has identified the key figures who could decide the outcome of Saturday’s highly anticipated Betway Premiership Soweto Derby between the Buccaneers and Kaizer Chiefs.

The two Soweto giants are set to lock horns at the iconic FNB Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 15:30 CAT. Highlighting the massive interest in this fixture, tickets were officially declared sold out on the exact same day they went on sale, Wednesday, 14 October 2026.

“I think Wandile Duba, we saw him put his hand up already, scoring a hat-trick during the week against TS Galaxy in the Carling Knockout Cup,” Zwane told FARPost.

Orlando Pirates legend Eugene Zwane has identified the key figures who could decide the outcome of Saturday’s highly anticipated Betway Premiership Soweto Derby between the Buccaneers and Kaizer Chiefs.#FARPost https://t.co/o6N9E1iFp2
— FARPost (@FARPostZA) October 30, 2026

“On the other hand, I think you can’t leave out Mduduzi Shabalala. You know, he’s a very talented player. He has beautiful technique as a passer and as a finisher in the box. However, he’s just unlucky to deliver those kinds of performances consistently. But you have to always be aware of him and the danger he poses in the Kaizer Chiefs attack. So, those two, for me, are my players to look out for because the bulk of their top talent is injured at the moment.

“I think Lebohang Maboe, since his return from injury, hasn’t really been on top form the way we know him. However, I think he’s getting fitter with every game. So, if he is at his best tomorrow, then we could see Maboe causing a lot of problems for Pirates. Those will be my top three from Kaizer Chiefs.

Tshepang Moremi of Orlando Pirates and Pule Mmodi of Kaizer Chiefs in a past Soweto Derby. Image: Kaizer Chiefs

“From the Orlando Pirates point of view, I think Tshepang Moremi and Oswin Appollis are two proven attackers, regular goalscorers, and very creative players in terms of creating assists and chances. Those two will be key for Pirates in attack,” Zwane stated.

“The other players would be Lebone Seema in the heart of the defence, as well as Sipho Chaine in goal. They are also going to be decisive factors for Orlando Pirates,” Zwane concluded.