Soweto Derby Set for February: Will All the Coaches Still Be in Charge?
The announcement of the new football season’s fixtures always excites South African fans. One match that stands out is the Soweto derby between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs. The two clubs’ first encounter is always highly anticipated, no matter how they are performing.
This season, the derby will take place on February 28, 2026, unless the teams meet earlier in the Carling Knockout. But with both clubs under pressure, there’s speculation that they may both have new head coaches by then.
Orlando Pirates’ Rocky Start
Pirates have had a difficult start to the season. They kicked off with a win over Polokwane City in the MTN8, but things quickly worsened. They lost 1-0 to Sekhukhune United in their league opener, then suffered a 2-1 defeat to Marumo Gallants on Tuesday. These results have placed significant pressure on coach Abdeslam Ouaddou. Fans have already begun to question whether he is the right man for the job.
Last season, when Jose Riveiro left, Pirates were in a strong position. Fans were hopeful of a challenge for the league title. However, recent performances have left fans frustrated. Pirates lack identity, and Ouaddou’s team selections have raised eyebrows.
Missing Key Players
One major concern has been the omission of Tshegofatso Mabasa, Pirates’ top scorer in the last two seasons. Despite his strong form, he has been left out of recent matches. Another notable absentee is the talented Thalente Mbatha, who has also been excluded from matchday squads. Fans are puzzled by these decisions and feel that they may be costing Pirates valuable points.
In their recent game against Gallants, Ouaddou’s decision to bench Relebohile Mofokeng, one of their most potent attackers, baffled many. Mofokeng’s exclusion left Pirates without one of their key threats. Many fans have voiced their dissatisfaction with this move, and it’s only a matter of time before calls for Ouaddou’s dismissal grow louder.
Kaizer Chiefs and Their Coaching Uncertainty
While Soweto’s other club, Kaizer Chiefs, have had a slightly better start to the season, speculation about their coach, Nabi, continues to swirl. Chiefs kicked off their campaign in impressive fashion with a 2-0 win over Stellenbosch FC in Athlone. However, assistant coach Khalil Ben Youssef was the one leading the team on the touchline, not Nabi.
Reports suggest that Nabi’s relationship with the club soured after a meeting before the season began. This has led to speculation about his future, especially since Nabi has since spent time in Tunisia attending to an urgent family matter. It remains to be seen what will happen when he returns to South Africa.
What This Means for the Soweto Derby
With both teams facing coaching uncertainty, the Soweto derby in February could be shaped by more than just what happens on the pitch. If either team hopes to come out on top with more than just bragging rights, the club boards will have to make tough decisions long before the first whistle blows.
Pirates and Chiefs both have a lot to prove before February. For Pirates, Ouaddou needs to find a winning formula and restore the team’s confidence. Chiefs, meanwhile, will be watching Nabi’s return closely to see if he can guide them to a successful season, or if the club will turn to someone else to lead the charge.
Check also: Kaizer Chiefs Beat Polokwane City 1-0 Thanks to Ndlovu’s Late Heroics
The first Soweto derby of the season promises to be full of drama. With both teams dealing with coaching uncertainty, the match will be more than just a battle for supremacy, it will also be a test of leadership. Will Pirates’ coach still be in charge by then? Will Nabi return to the Chiefs bench? Only time will tell, but for now, both clubs must focus on turning their fortunes around before February’s high-stakes clash.
