South Africa’s two biggest soccer clubs, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, both play African club qualifiers on Friday, 23 October, one week before the Soweto Derby. The derby is on Saturday, 31 October at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, kicking off at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time.
It is the latest development in our Soweto Derby coverage hub. The public tickets have sold out.
Key Facts
- Fixture: Orlando Pirates host Kaizer Chiefs in the Betway Premiership at FNB Stadium, Johannesburg.
- Kickoff: Saturday, 31 October 2026, 15:30 SAST (9:30 a.m. EDT).
- Tickets: The public allocation of 63,680 sold out within hours on 13 October.
- This week: Chiefs host Red Arrows at 18:00 SAST and Pirates host African Stars at 19:30 SAST, both on Friday.
- Prices: Adult tickets from R140 (about US$8); hospitality up to R5,795 (about US$350).
Both Clubs Play Africa Ties First
Chiefs host Zambia’s Red Arrows at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban at 18:00 SAST (12:00 p.m. EDT) in the second leg of a CAF Confederation Cup qualifying round. Chiefs lost the first leg 1-0 in Ndola, Zambia, on 17 October.
Pirates host Namibia’s African Stars in Johannesburg at 19:30 SAST (1:30 p.m. EDT) in the second leg of a CAF Champions League qualifying round. The first leg was played in Gaborone, Botswana, on 17 October.
Recent Form Before the Derby
Chiefs drew 1-1 at home with Stellenbosch in the league on 13 October. Pirates lost the MTN8 cup final 2-0 to Mamelodi Sundowns on 10 October.
Tickets and Prices
The public allocation of 63,680 tickets went on sale on Tuesday, 13 October, and sold out within hours. Adult general admission started at R140 (about US$8 at 16.59 rand per dollar, EODHD, 23 October), and children’s tickets at R50 (about US$3).
Adult transport packages cost R165 to R260 (about US$10 to US$16). The Premium Viewing Lounge was advertised at R5,795 per person (about US$350), and the Goldrush Dome package at R5,395 excluding VAT (about US$325).
FNB Stadium, also called Soccer City, holds roughly 87,000 to 94,000 people depending on its layout. The public allocation is smaller than that capacity.
What It Means for US Readers
The Soweto Derby kicks off at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time on Saturday, 31 October, a morning match for East Coast fans. The next league meeting is set for Saturday, 13 March 2027, with Chiefs as the home side.
Two clubs from the Soweto township, one of South Africa’s best-known neighbourhoods, share FNB Stadium. Orlando Pirates are the listed home team for this match.
What Is Not Known
No line-ups, injury list or referee had been announced in the sources we reviewed on 23 October. Police and transport plans for matchday had not been published either.
We found no confirmed broadcast arrangement for US viewers. No prediction market on the derby was trading at the time of writing.
Sources
Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs (club announcements), Premier Soccer League fixtures, EWN, TimesLIVE, Africa Soccer, Afrik-Foot, EODHD (exchange rate).
Editorial responsibility: Matthias Camenzind, Editor-in-Chief · Editorial standards · Report an error
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Soweto Derby?
Orlando Pirates host Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on Saturday, 31 October 2026. Kickoff is 15:30 SAST, or 9:30 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time.
Are tickets still available?
No. The public allocation of 63,680 tickets sold out within hours of going on sale on 13 October. Hospitality packages were advertised separately.
Who is the home team?
Orlando Pirates are listed as the home side for this league match. The stadium is shared by both Soweto clubs.