New date confirmed for final Soweto Derby of the season

The biggest fixture on the South African football calendar has been rescheduled, with the PSL confirming a new date for the final Soweto Derby of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership campaign.

#𝐒𝐎𝐖𝐄𝐓𝐎𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐁𝐘 𝐅𝐈𝐗𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄

🆚 @KaizerChiefs
🗓 26 April 2026
⏰ 15H00
🏟 FNB Stadium
🎟 TBA

⚫⚪🔴⭐#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/LLfceLXfZQ

— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) March 26, 2026

Originally slated for Saturday, 25 April, the highly anticipated showdown between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium will now take place on Sunday, 26 April 2026. Kick-off remains set for the traditional 15:00 slot.

While no official reason was provided for the adjustment, the move to a Sunday afternoon is a rare occurrence for the Derby. However, with Monday, 27 April (Freedom Day) being a public holiday in South Africa, the rescheduling is expected to create a massive “long weekend” atmosphere for the capacity crowd expected in Nasrec.

The Quest for the Double For Orlando Pirates in Soweto Derby

The Buccaneers head into this fixture with more than just bragging rights on the line. Abdeslam Ouaddou’s charges are currently in the driver’s seat of a high-octane title race, sitting at the summit of the log with 52 points from 22 games.

Pirates are aiming to complete a second consecutive league double over their arch-rivals, having already dismantled the Glamour Boys 3-0 in the reverse fixture last month. A victory on April 26 would not only silence Naturena but also keep the Sea Robbers ahead of a relentless Mamelodi Sundowns side, who sit just two points behind in second place.

Chiefs’ Search for Redemption

For Kaizer Chiefs, the Derby represents a final chance to salvage a season that has been marred by inconsistency. Before a recent mini-revival of two consecutive wins, Amakhosi suffered a bruising run of four straight defeats, including a CAF Confederation Cup exit at the hands of Zamalek SC.

Currently fighting to secure a top-three finish and a return to continental football, the Glamour Boys are desperate to stop the rot against their neighbours. Since the departure of Jose Riveiro, Pirates have maintained their dominance in this fixture, but a win for Chiefs would be a massive statement for their CAF qualification hopes.

Soweto Derby At A Glance

Fixture: Orlando Pirates vs. Kaizer Chiefs

New Date: Sunday, 26 April 2026

Venue: FNB Stadium

Kick-off: 15:00

Last Result: Orlando Pirates 3-0 Kaizer Chiefs (Feb 2026)