Kaizer Chiefs number 10 Mduduzi Shabalala has some history with Orlando Pirates. Let’s look back before the sides meet this weekend.
Mdu Shabalal supported Orlando Pirates as a kid
20-year-old Kaizer Chiefs attacker Mduduzi Shabalala revealed he grew up supporting Orlando Pirates but says now he will “die a Chiefs fan”. The young attacker has become a key operator Chiefs in the 2024-2025 campaign. He’s appeared 25 times in the league, with four goals and an assist.
‘Mdu’, as he is affectionately known, worshipped Thembinkosi Lorch when growing up in an all-Pirates household. With Lorch having moved on to Sundowns, there’s space in the fixture for another star to make a name for himself in South Africa’s premier club fixture.
Shabalala recalls the first Soweto Derby he attended in “about 2019 or 2020 where Chiefs were leading 1-0 and Lorch equalised after a pass from Ben Motshwari”.
Pirates fall in Africa
On a dramatic night in Cairo, Orlando Pirates were defeated 3-2 in the second leg of the Champions League semifinals by Pyramids FC. They have already secured silverware this season in the form of the MTN8. However, Bucs supporters were desperate to rule the continent. They’re still in the Betway Premiership title race but must claw back a nine-point deficit, with two games in hand. There’s also a Nedbank Cup final on the horizon against Kaizer Chiefs. For now, however, continental heartbreak will be a bitter pill to swallow.
When is Kaizer Chiefs vs Orlando Pirates?
These sworn Soweto Derby rivals meet in the Betway Premiership on Saturday, 03 May at 15:00. They met again the following Saturday in the Nedbank Cup final. That match kicks off at the same time.
Who will win the latest instalment of the Derby?
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