In a dramatic Soweto Derby that unfolded on Saturday, May 3, 2025, Kaizer Chiefs faced off against their arch-rivals Orlando Pirates, ultimately suffering a 2-1 defeat at the iconic FNB Stadium. This loss marked a disheartening continuation of the Chiefs' struggles, as they have now gone seven matches without a victory in the Betway Premiership.
The match kicked off with an electrifying start for the Chiefs, who found the back of the net just two minutes into the game, courtesy of a well-placed shot by Glody Lilepo. The early goal sent the Amakhosi supporters into a frenzy, igniting hopes for a much-needed victory. However, the jubilation was short-lived, as Pirates quickly regrouped and equalized in the 24th minute through their star striker, Evidence Makgopa.
As the match progressed, it became evident that the Pirates were not to be underestimated. They seized control of the game and capitalized on a critical moment in the second half when Relebohile Mofokeng scored the winning goal, sealing the fate of the Chiefs. This victory for the Pirates not only added to their bragging rights but also marked their fifth consecutive win over the Chiefs in the Soweto Derby, a statistic that has become a source of frustration for Amakhosi fans.
Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi reflected on the match, expressing his dissatisfaction with the officiating and the missed opportunities that contributed to the defeat. "If we had gotten that penalty, it would have been a completely different game," Nabi stated during the post-match press conference. Despite the loss, he emphasized that he is not nervous about his future at the club, insisting that he is part of a process that requires time to yield results.
"Normally, I wouldn’t answer the questions, but I’ll answer. I don’t think you are the right man to decide whether I’m staying or not. My role and why I’m here is clear; everyone knows that this is a process, and in terms of process, we can’t expect immediate results," Nabi added, addressing the media's inquiries about his job security.
Despite holding 57% possession during the match, the Chiefs struggled to capitalize on their chances and failed to convert several key opportunities into goals. Nabi lamented the inability to finish the game off, stating, "We feel that at the beginning of the game, we had control, scored early, and had the opportunity to kill the game, and most of the time when you do not take your opportunities, you give the opportunity to the opponents to stay alive."
Former South African player Junior Khanye also weighed in on the match, criticizing the Chiefs' performance and their failure to create clear-cut chances. "Orlando Pirates allowed Kaizer Chiefs to build up. Also, marking Kaizer Chiefs zonally in the middle field," Khanye noted, suggesting that while the Chiefs had possession, they lacked the effectiveness needed to convert it into goals. He remarked, "How many clear-cut chances they created? Yes, it’s only this ball the goalkeeper piled away whereby Maart made a run, deep run and [Pule] Mmodi played him and then he had to cross."
With this defeat, the Chiefs find themselves languishing in ninth place on the league table, with only 30 points from 26 matches. This position raises concerns about their ability to finish within the top eight for a second consecutive season, a reality that has not gone unnoticed by fans and analysts alike.
The pressure is mounting on Nabi and his squad as they prepare for their upcoming fixtures, with the hope of breaking this winless streak and restoring pride in the Amakhosi colors. The players will need to regroup and refocus, as the road ahead is fraught with challenges and the need for immediate improvement is paramount.
As the Chiefs look to rebound from this disappointing result, the fans will be eagerly awaiting a turnaround in form. The rivalry with Orlando Pirates is one of the fiercest in South African football, and losing the Soweto Derby only adds to the urgency for a positive response in their next match.
In conclusion, the Soweto Derby served as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Kaizer Chiefs this season. With a history of success behind them, the Amakhosi will need to dig deep to reclaim their status as one of the top teams in the league. The fans remain hopeful that the process Nabi speaks of will soon bear fruit, leading to a resurgence in form and a return to winning ways.
