The first Betway Premiership Soweto Derby of 2025 on Saturday, February 1, promises to be an intense encounter between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium. While the rivalry itself adds to the drama, the tactical approaches of Pirates’ Jose Riveiro and Chiefs’ Nasreddine Nabi could be crucial in determining the outcome of this highly anticipated match.
Orlando Pirates’ Long-Range Threat
Orlando Pirates have impressed this season, particularly with their ability to score from long-range. Leading the league with eight goals from outside the box, they’ve demonstrated attacking versatility. Head coach Jose Riveiro encourages players like Thalenthe Mbatha and Kabelo Dlamini to take on shots from distance, making Pirates a dangerous side even when direct attacks are stifled.
Riveiro pointed out that long-range shooting could play a key role, especially against teams like Chiefs who may opt for a low block. “It depends on how the opponent approaches the match,” Riveiro said. “Against a low block, we can get space for our second-line players to shoot, threatening the opposition.” Pirates’ ability to break through with shots from outside the box will test Chiefs’ defensive resilience, potentially forcing them to either block the shots or open space for other attackers.
Kaizer Chiefs’ Approach Under Nabi
In contrast, Kaizer Chiefs are in the midst of a rebuilding phase under Nasreddine Nabi. While the team has struggled with consistency, Nabi is determined to give a strong showing in the derby, despite admitting that Chiefs are still evolving. “We know we are rebuilding, but we won’t hide behind that,” Nabi stated ahead of the match. “This is an important game, and we’ll give our best.”
Chiefs will likely adopt a counter-attacking style, utilising the pace of players like Mduduzi Shabalala and Wandile Duba. Despite injury setbacks to key players like Duba and Ashley du Preez, Chiefs’ young players have shown promise this season, stepping up to fill the void. Nabi, who has returned from a suspension, is confident that his side can capitalise on Pirates’ defensive vulnerabilities, particularly with quick transitions.
Jose Riveiro vs Nasreddine Nabi: The Tactical Battle
This Soweto Derby is not only a battle of clubs but also a tactical contest between two coaches. Pirates’ long-range threats could force Chiefs into a more proactive defensive stance. If Chiefs can defend these shots while exploiting any space left by Pirates’ attacking play, they could have the upper hand. However, pressing too high might leave Chiefs exposed to Pirates’ counter-attacks, creating an intriguing tactical challenge for both teams.
Let’s take a closer look at their key stats so far this season.
| Coach | Team | Games Played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Win Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jose Riveiro | Orlando Pirates | 11 | 9 | 0 | 2 | 63.64% |
| Nasreddine Nabi | Kaizer Chiefs | 14 | 6 | 3 | 5 | 42.86% |
Riveiro’s setup aims to break down defences with the shooting power of his second-line players, while Nabi will look to capitalise on defensive lapses through fast counter-attacks.
Soweto Derby: Riveiro vs Nabi – Tactical Comparison
| Tactical Element | Jose Riveiro (Orlando Pirates) | Nasreddine Nabi (Kaizer Chiefs) |
|---|---|---|
| Key Strength | Long-range shooting and attacking depth | Counter-attacking and exploiting defensive transitions |
| Defensive Approach | High press, compact midfield | Deep defensive block, quick counter-attacks |
| Key Players | Thalenthe Mbatha, Kabelo Dlamini, Relebohile Mofokeng | Mduduzi Shabalala, Wandile Duba, Mfundo Vilakazi |
| Tactical Philosophy | Encourages shooting from outside the box | Focuses on discipline and rebuilding the squad |
Conclusion
Orlando Pirates vs Kaizer Chiefs – With Orlando Pirates’ long-range shooting ability and Kaizer Chiefs’ counter-attacking style, this Soweto Derby promises to be a fascinating tactical battle. While Pirates will look to break down Chiefs with their shooting threats, Nabi’s side will aim to capitalise on defensive transitions and exploit any vulnerabilities. This clash is set to deliver moments of brilliance, as both coaches bring their best tactical weapons to the table.
Related article: 10 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Miss the Soweto Derby This Weekend
