Kaizer Chiefs’ rising star Mduduzi Shabalala is set to face the club he once idolized, as the Soweto Derby returns with two massive clashes on the horizon.
Before becoming Chiefs’ number 10, the 21-year-old attacker grew up in an Orlando Pirates-supporting household, even naming Thembinkosi Lorch as his childhood hero. But times have changed. “I’ll die a Chiefs fan now,” Mdu insists, having become a key figure for Amakhosi this season with 25 league appearances, four goals, and an assist to his name.
Looking back, Shabalala fondly remembers his first live Derby experience—likely in 2019 or 2020—where Pirates snatched a dramatic equalizer through Lorch, assisted by Ben Motshwari. That memory is etched in his mind, but now he’s the one aiming to write his own chapter in South Africa’s biggest football rivalry.
Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates are licking their wounds after a painful 3-2 loss to Pyramids FC in the CAF Champions League semifinals. Despite lifting the MTN8 earlier this season, their dream of continental dominance has been dashed. However, they remain in the hunt for the league title and will face Chiefs again in the Nedbank Cup final—back-to-back Derby pressure with everything to play for.
When are the Soweto Derby clashes?
- Saturday, 3 May at 15:00 – Betway Premiership
- Saturday, 10 May at 15:00 – Nedbank Cup Final
