The much-loved Soweto Derby between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs will not be played in 2024, unless they can meet in the Carling Knockout before the end of the year.

As it stands, fans will have to wait until 1 February 2025, for the 181st Derby when Pirates host Chiefs at FNB Stadium.

Chiefs, under new coach Nasreddine Nabi, will host Pirates on 3 May in the return match. Pirates dominated last season, winning both league matches against Chiefs and clinching two trophies. This was their first double over Chiefs since the 2008/09 season under Rudi Krol. Chiefs’ poor performance led to a 12th-place finish and missing out on the MTN8.

Pirates were again runners-up to Mamelodi Sundowns but retained the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup. Their strong finish earned them an early start to the season, where they’ve already reached the MTN8 semi-finals after beating SuperSport United in the quarter finals.

Chiefs, who didn’t qualify for the MTN8, begin their league campaign against Marumo Gallants on 14 September at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein.

Pirates, competing in the CAF Champions League preliminary round this Sunday when they visit CS-Disciples in the preliminary round (13:00), will kick off their league season against Chippa United on the same day.