Soweto Derby dates: When Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates will clash in 2026-27

With the new Premier Soccer League (PSL) season set to kick off on August 1, the fixture list is out and fans are eagerly pinpointing the high-profile encounters pitting the ‘Big Three.’

The Soweto Derby, a clash between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, remains the most anticipated fixture on the calendar, having evolved into a major social event beyond the 90 minutes of football.

In a welcome change from recent years, the Premier Soccer League has scheduled one derby for each half of the season, rather than saving them for the campaign’s final stretch.

When the PSL ‘Big Three’ will clash

To kick things off with a bang, a blockbuster match between Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns is slated for the opening weeks, providing an early treat for fans and broadcasters alike.

The first major showdown of the season will see Chiefs host Sundowns on August 15, just a week after the MTN8 quarter-finals. Amakhosi, under new coach Fernando da Cruz, will be looking to extend their three-match unbeaten streak against the Brazilians. The return fixture is scheduled for February 6 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.

When Soweto Derby will be played

The first Soweto Derby of the 2026-27 season is set for Halloween, with Orlando Pirates hosting Kaizer Chiefs on October 31 at FNB Stadium to accommodate the massive expected crowd.

This marks a return to having a derby in the first half of the season, a departure from the recent trend of waiting until February.

With one win each and a draw in their last three meetings, the rivalry is perfectly poised. The second league derby will take place on March 13, also at FNB Stadium.

The rivalry between Mamelodi Sundowns and reigning champions Pirates has intensified in recent years as they’ve battled for the league title. Their first encounter is scheduled for January 9 at Loftus Versfeld. The return match at Orlando Stadium on April 24 could prove to be a decisive fixture in the title race.

Soweto Derby 2026-27 Dates

Saturday, October 31: Orlando Pirates vs Kaizer Chiefs (FNB Stadium)

Saturday, March 13: Kaizer Chiefs vs Orlando Pirates (FNB Stadium)

When Soweto Giants Will Play Sundowns

Saturday, August 15: Kaizer Chiefs vs Mamelodi Sundowns (FNB Stadium)

Saturday, January 9: Mamelodi Sundowns vs Orlando Pirates (Loftus Versfeld Stadium)

Saturday, February 6: Mamelodi Sundowns vs Kaizer Chiefs (Loftus Versfeld Stadium)

Saturday, April 24: Orlando Pirates vs Mamelodi Sundowns (Orlando Stadium)