The dates for the Soweto derby have been revealed and the surprise call is that Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates will only meet in the Betway Premiership in 2025.
The Buccaneers beat Amakhosi twice in the Premiership last season, first registering a 1-0 win thanks to a goal from Evidence Makgopa and then coming from behind to win 3-2 in the second round of the campaign, in arguably one of the finest Soweto derbies in history.
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The Betway Premiership is set to kickoff only in September and the two clubs will not lock horns before the end of the year, unless it's in a knockout competition.
The first meeting between the sides will be on February 1, 2025, at FNB Stadium. Pirates will host the clash, looking to continue from where they left off last season. It will be the first Soweto derby for new Amakhosi coach Nasreddine Nabi, who will be looking to endear himself to the Chiefs faithful by overcoming their fiercest rivals.
The second clash between the clubs will be on May 3, with Pirates hosting this tie at the same venue.
At this period, the supporters of both clubs will be hoping that there is something to fight for in the Premiership. In the last few seasons, the clash in the second half of the season has not meant much in terms of fighting for the Premiership because Mamelodi Sundowns had opened up a big gap at the summit.
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The MTN8, meanwhile, will kick off with the quarter-final matches on August 3 and 4. The final will be played on October 5. The Carling Cup is set to commence on October 19, with the last 16 fixtures. The final will be played on November 30.
The final knockout competition of the season, the Nedbank Cup, is meant to kick off next year on January 28 and the final is expected to be played on May 10.
