Why Orlando Pirates Should Be Wary of Kaizer Chiefs Despite Being Favourites to Win Soweto Derby

• The second leg of the Soweto Derby clash in the Betway Premiership is set to take centre stage next weekend
• Orlando Pirates are going into the fixture as favourites, with Kaizer Chiefs also regaining their form ahead of the clash
• A football expert has told Briefly News why the Sea Robbers should be wary of Amakhosi's threat despite being favourites

Orlando Pirates are heading into another Soweto Derby this season as favourites, with Kaizer Chiefs also going into the match in good form.

The Sea Robbers are currently top of the Betway Premiership table and need a win against their bitter rivals to maintain their chances of winning the league ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns this season.

Amakhosi, on the other hand, need to avoid defeat as they are closing in on finishing third place on the log and securing a ticket to the CAF Confederation Cup next campaign.

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The first Soweto derby ended in a resounding victory for Pirates at the FNB Stadium on Saturday, February 28, 2026, but the second leg comes with a different scenario, while the Buccaneers remain favourites to win.

Pirates warned ahead of Soweto Derby

Football journalist Uche Anuma, speaking to Briefly News ahead of the second Soweto derby in the Betway Premiership this season, sent a strong warning to Pirates concerning the contest.

"Pirates are favourites to win after what they did to Kaizer Chiefs in the first leg and also their performance heading into the second leg," he said.

"The favourite tag for Pirates does not mean they should underestimate their neighbours, and respect to Chiefs, they've been consistent in their last six games, winning five in a row and playing out a goalless draw in their last game against Polokwane City.

"A derby would remain an unpredictable fixture regardless of the form teams involved are in, as they would both want to play for pride and give their respective supporters bragging rights."

Winners of the Soweto derby's second leg

Anuma went on to drop his prediction for the mouthwatering Soweto derby second leg. After previously acknowledging that Orlando Pirates are the favourites heading into the match, he claimed he expected the match to finish in a draw.

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"Derbies are always hard to predict due to what it entails, and both teams' players are always working on delivering a good result for their respective fans," he added.

"I see a draw, a 2-2 draw, because I expect both teams to score. It would be a game that Mamelodi Sundowns and their fans would be looking forward to as it would play a major role in determining who ends up winning the Betway Premiership this season.

"Sundowns still have a game against Kaizer Chiefs, which would also be a good watch and an important match in the title race."

McCarthy predicts Betway Premiership winner

Briefly News also reported that Benni McCarthy named the winner of this season's Betway Premiership between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.

The former South African international also outlined the challenges the Soweto giants are facing this season in the league.

Source: Briefly News