Kaizer Chiefs exit Confederation Cup ahead of Pirates clash

Orlando Pirates' next opponents, Kaizer Chiefs, were eliminated from the CAF Confederation Cup on penalties by Zambia's Red Arrows, setting up a domestic focus for their league meeting on October 31st.

Orlando Pirates' next Betway Premiership opponents, Kaizer Chiefs, saw their continental campaign end in a penalty shootout defeat to Zambia's Red Arrows on Friday. The result, a 3-2 loss on penalties after a 1-1 aggregate draw, confirms Chiefs' elimination from the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup and shifts their full attention to the league ahead of facing the second-placed Pirates. Orlando Pirates currently sit second in the Premier Soccer League on 22 points after eight games, just one point behind the leaders.

Chiefs, currently fifth in the Premier Soccer League, had won the second leg 1-0 at Moses Mabhida Stadium through a Bradley Cross header in the 65th minute. The goal, created by a Mfundo Vilakazi free-kick, leveled the tie and forced the shootout, where Lebohang Maboe struck the crossbar and Red Arrows held their nerve to advance to the group stage. The Zambian side had won the first leg 1-0 the previous week.

Chiefs' continental woes continue

The exit marks another setback for Chiefs in CAF competitions. Historical data shows they have now won only one of nine ties in which they lost the first leg. Under coach Fernando da Cruz, they dominated possession and created several chances in the return leg but could not find a decisive second goal in regulation time. Vilakazi's assist for the equaliser was a bright spot. The team's focus now turns entirely to domestic matters, with the Soweto Derby looming large on Saturday 31 October.

Pirates' strong form provides contrast

While Chiefs deal with continental disappointment, Orlando Pirates continue their strong domestic form. They sit second in the Premier Soccer League with 22 points from eight games, claiming a perfect record of seven wins and one draw. Their goal difference of +18 is the best in the league, built on a defence that has conceded just once. Their recent 4-0 victory over African Stars on October 23rd was part of a run of four wins in their last five matches, keeping them one point behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns. The Buccaneers have scored 19 goals in the league so far, with T. Moremi their top scorer this season with four goals.

Their recent form shows three wins and a draw from their last four league outings, including a 3-0 win over TS Galaxy and a 2-0 victory against Durban City. The stage is now set for a high-stakes Soweto Derby. Orlando Pirates will host a Kaizer Chiefs side with a point to prove, fresh from their cup exit, at home on October 31st. The fixture is the next entry on the Pirates' fixtures list. The match will be played at the Orlando Stadium.