The most anticipated fixture in South African football is upon us once again, as Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates prepare to battle it out in the Soweto Derby at FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon. This historic rivalry divides the nation, yet several players have had the rare experience of donning the colours of both clubs.
Some thrived under the immense pressure, while others struggled to meet expectations. Here’s a look at five notable players who made the switch between South Africa’s two biggest football clubs.
Soweto Derby: Players Who Played for Both Chiefs and Pirates
Marks Maponyane
Born in Meadowlands, Soweto, Marks Maponyane joined Kaizer Chiefs as a teenager in 1981 and became one of the club’s most iconic players. He spent a decade with Amakhosi, becoming their all-time leading goal-scorer and captaining the side between 1985 and 1988.
After a brief stint with Dynamos, he made a surprising move to Orlando Pirates, where he played a crucial role in their 1994 league title-winning campaign. A year later, his contributions helped Pirates lift the prestigious CAF Champions League trophy, cementing his status as a legend on both sides of the divide.
Sizwe Motaung
Sizwe Motaung was the first player in the PSL era to transfer directly between Chiefs and Pirates. The talented right-back, who was part of South Africa’s victorious 1996 AFCON squad, initially joined Chiefs after a spell in Spain with Tenerife.
His stay at Naturena lasted only two seasons before he made the controversial switch to the Buccaneers in the 2000-01 season. Sadly, his career and life were cut short when he passed away due to an AIDS-related illness.
Collins Mbesuma
Zambian striker Collins Mbesuma had a dream debut season with Kaizer Chiefs in 2004-05, smashing a record 25 league goals and netting 35 times in all competitions. His form earned him a move to Portsmouth in England, but he never quite replicated his Chiefs heroics.
After bouncing around various clubs, including Mamelodi Sundowns and Moroka Swallows, he landed at Orlando Pirates in 2012. However, his time with the Buccaneers was brief, as he left after just two seasons.
Jimmy Tau
It’s almost unthinkable that Jimmy Tau, who became a Chiefs stalwart, once played for their arch-rivals. The defender joined Pirates in 2002 after impressing at Maritzburg City and was part of the squad that won the league in his first season.
However, a salary dispute saw him leave the Sea Robbers and cross the divide to Chiefs, where he flourished. Tau spent eight years at Amakhosi, captaining the team and winning multiple trophies, including the 2012-13 league title.
Siphelele Mthembu
Mthembu’s transfer saga remains one of the most dramatic in local football. Ahead of the 2008-09 season, both Chiefs and Pirates claimed to have signed him from Maritzburg City, leading to a dispute that had to be settled by the PSL.
The ruling favoured Pirates, where Mthembu spent three seasons before eventually making his way to Chiefs a few years later. Although he never truly established himself as a star at either club, his name is forever linked to both Soweto giants.
Other Players Who Played for Both Chiefs and Pirates
Several other notable players have represented both clubs, including:
- Jabu Mahlangu (Pule)
- Pollen Ndlanya
- Ace Khuse
- Lehlohonolo Majoro
- Stanton Fredericks
- Marc Batchelor
- Gert Schalkwyk
- William Twala
As the latest Soweto Derby approaches, these names serve as reminders of the unique and sometimes controversial journeys players have taken between South Africa’s two biggest football institutions.
Conclusion
The Soweto Derby is more than just a football match—it’s a battle for pride, history, and supremacy. While moving between these two clubs is seen as a betrayal by some fans, these players have left their mark on both sides of the rivalry. As Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates prepare for yet another thrilling encounter, their stories serve as a reminder of the intense passion and drama that make this fixture one of the greatest in African football.
Related article: 10 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Miss the Soweto Derby This Weekend
