Published Thursday, October 22, 11:00 a.m. ET (5:00 p.m. Johannesburg) · Source: Africasoccer, Afrik-foot
Public tickets for South Africa’s Soweto derby between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs have sold out, Africasoccer reported on October 14. The match is on Saturday, October 31, at 9:30 a.m. ET (3:30 p.m. in Johannesburg), and our Soweto derby updates page follows every development.
Both clubs play continental matches on Friday, October 23, a week before the derby. Final team news has not been published.
Key Facts
- Match: Orlando Pirates host Kaizer Chiefs in the Betway Premiership.
- Kickoff: Saturday, October 31, 9:30 a.m. ET (3:30 p.m. Johannesburg).
- Venue: FNB Stadium, also called Soccer City, in Nasrec, Johannesburg.
- Tickets: 63,680 went on public sale and are sold out.
- Next derby: Saturday, March 13, 2027, with Chiefs listed as hosts.
In plain English
A derby is a match between two rivals, and the Soweto derby pits Orlando Pirates against Kaizer Chiefs, two of South Africa’s best-known clubs. It is a.m.ong the biggest fixtures in African club soccer.
Tickets Are Gone
Africasoccer reported that 63,680 tickets for the public sold out within days of going on sale on October 13. The rest of the seats were reserved for competitions, sponsors and suites.
FNB Stadium’s capacity is reported at 90,000 to 94,000. Fans without a ticket should not expect to find one at the gate.
Kickoff and Rivalry
Kickoff is 3:30 p.m. South Africa Standard Time (UTC+2), which is 9:30 a.m. ET on October 31. The Premier Soccer League lists it as a Pirates home game, though some outlets describe Chiefs as the hosts.
FNB Stadium hosted the 2010 World Cup final. The return league match is set for March 13, 2027, with Chiefs listed as the home side.
Continental Games Come First
On Friday, October 23, Pirates host African Stars of Namibia in the CAF Champions League at Orlando Amstel Arena in Johannesburg. Chiefs face Zambia’s Red Arrows the same evening in the CAF Confederation Cup, at 6:00 p.m. South Africa time (12:00 p.m. ET), at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
Chiefs lost the first leg 1-0 in Ndola, Zambia, on October 17, with Alassane Diarra scoring in the 76th minute. They need to overturn that result to reach the group stage.
What It Means for US Readers
The match starts at 9:30 a.m. ET, a Saturday-morning slot for American viewers. Broadcast arrangements for US viewers have not been confirmed.
Anyone planning to travel for the match should know that public tickets are gone. This page and our hub will carry confirmed updates on teams and television.
What Is Not Known
Final team news, suspensions, referee appointments and policing plans have not been published. Reports mention injury doubts at Pirates, but we have seen no official confirmation.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the Soweto derby?
Orlando Pirates host Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium in Nasrec, Johannesburg, on Saturday, October 31, 2026. Kickoff is 3:30 p.m. South Africa time, which is 9:30 a.m. ET.
Are tickets still available?
No. Africasoccer reported on October 14 that the 63,680 tickets offered to the public had sold out. The rest of the seats were reserved for competitions, sponsors and suites.
When is the next Soweto derby after this one?
The next league meeting is listed for Saturday, March 13, 2027, with Kaizer Chiefs as the home side.
Can I watch the Soweto derby in the United States?
Broadcast arrangements for US viewers have not been confirmed. We will update our hub page once a broadcaster is announced.
Sources: Africasoccer: derby tickets · Africasoccer: Red Arrows v Kaizer Chiefs · Afrik-foot: Soweto derby fixtures
This article was produced by The Rio Times’ automated newsroom system. How we use AI · Report an error · Editorial responsibility: Matthias Camenzind, Editor-in-Chief