Orlando Pirates are steadily reducing the gap on Kaizer Chiefs in the historic Soweto Derby rivalry following another important victory over their biggest rivals.

The Buccaneers claimed a 2-1 victory over Amakhosi at FNB Stadium on Saturday, October 31, extending their impressive recent record against the Glamour Boys.

The result was particularly significant for Pirates, who have now won six of their last seven Soweto Derby meetings, underlining their growing dominance in recent encounters.

However, Kaizer Chiefs still hold the advantage in the overall head-to-head record between the two South African football giants.

According to historical records, the two clubs have met 185 times across official competitions since their first encounter in January 1970. Chiefs have recorded 75 victories, compared to Pirates' 50, while 55 matches have ended in draws. Five encounters were abandoned.

This means Amakhosi still enjoy a 25-win advantage over their bitter rivals, although Pirates have been making progress in closing that gap.

The latest victory adds to an impressive sequence of results for Abdeslam Ouaddou's team, who have enjoyed considerable success against Chiefs over the past few seasons.

Pirates have also won important encounters in different competitions, including league matches and cup fixtures.

Their recent run includes victories in February 2026, May 2025, March 2024 and November 2023, demonstrating how the balance of power in the rivalry has shifted in recent years.

Saturday's encounter provided another opportunity for the Buccaneers to strengthen their position.

Yanela Mbuthuma opened the scoring in the 24th minute after capitalising on a through ball from Thapelo Mokobodi. Chiefs responded through Pule Mmodi, who took advantage of a mistake by goalkeeper Sipho Chaine to restore parity.

However, Pirates regained the lead in the second half when Tshepang Moremi finished off a well-worked attacking move initiated by Mokobodi.

The Buccaneers held on to secure all three points and another memorable derby victory.

For Chiefs, the defeat was another setback against their traditional rivals, who have increasingly enjoyed the upper hand in recent meetings.

Despite the growing gap in recent form, Amakhosi remain ahead in the historical standings, meaning Pirates still have considerable ground to cover before matching their rivals' overall record.

Nevertheless, the latest result further strengthens the Buccaneers' position in the modern chapter of the rivalry.

With another Soweto Derby scheduled for March 2027, Pirates will have another opportunity to continue reducing the historical gap, while Chiefs will be desperate to restore their authority.

The overall record still favours Amakhosi, but recent results suggest that Pirates are increasingly becoming the dominant force in this historic rivalry.

https://www.thesouthafrican.com/sport/soccer/psl-south-africa/orlando-pirates-closing-in-on-kaizer-chiefs-soweto-derby-dominance