Kaizer Chiefs' Loss To Orlando Pirates: What Went Wrong?

Holifil

03 Apr, 2025

Kaizer Chiefs couldn’t secure a win in the Soweto derby this season in the Betway Premiership, extending their winless streak against their rivals.
The Glamour Boys fell to their bitter rivals, Orlando Pirates, in a match that saw a dramatic late goal from Patrick Maswanganyi.
A sports journalist weighed in on the loss, pointing fingers at specific decisions that may have cost Kaizer Chiefs the game at FNB Stadium.

In the thrilling first Soweto derby of the season, Orlando Pirates emerged victorious over Kaizer Chiefs, leaving fans buzzing with excitement and analysis. The Sea Robbers walked away with bragging rights after a hard-fought match in the Betway Premiership.

The game at the FNB Stadium was a nail-biter, with the decisive moment coming in the form of a late goal by Patrick Maswanganyi. This dramatic strike handed Orlando Pirates a crucial victory, leaving Kaizer Chiefs heartbroken and their fans disappointed. The win has bolstered Jose Riveiro's team’s chances in the league title race against Mamelodi Sundowns, while Kaizer Chiefs remain in fifth place.

Kaizer Chiefs starting lineup poses ahead of their Premier Soccer League (PSL) match against Orlando Pirates at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg. Photo: Phill Magakoe.Source: Getty Images

What went wrong for Kaizer Chiefs? The loss came as a surprise to many, considering the high stakes of the Soweto derby. Under the guidance of Nasreddine Nabi, the Glamour Boys showcased some promising moments but ultimately fell short due to a critical error in judgment.

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Who’s to Blame for Chiefs’ Loss?

Sports journalist Uche Anuma joined Briefly News for an exclusive chat, offering insight into the reasons behind Kaizer Chiefs’ loss. He didn’t mince words, placing the blame squarely on the shoulders of the team’s coach, Nasreddine Nabi.

"Nasreddine Nabi should take responsibility for this loss. He made a tactical error that could have tilted the game in Chiefs’ favor," Anuma said. "The timing of his substitutions was off. Bringing on Mfundo Vilakazi and Gaston Sirino later in the game didn’t give them enough time to make an impact."

"Both players injected energy into the team, but it was too little, too late. The game had already slipped out of their grasp by that point," he added.

Anuma also touched on the performances of Kaizer Chiefs’ new signings, Thabo Cele and Glody Lilepo, who made their debuts in this high-stakes encounter.

"Cele and Lilepo got their feet wet in the Soweto derby. It’s too early to pass judgment on their performances, but they showed flashes of potential," he noted. "I’m hopeful they can step up and meet the club’s expectations moving forward."

With this loss, Kaizer Chiefs’ chances of securing silverware this season may hinge on their performance in the Nedbank Cup. However, they face stiff competition from Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, who clashed in last season’s final. The pressure is on for the Soweto giants to regroup and refocus.

Kaizer Chiefs’ next league match will see them face AmaZulu FC, while Orlando Pirates will aim to close the gap on league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns when they take on Sekhukhune United in Durban.

Why the Referee Was Right to Award the Penalty

In a previous report, Briefly News highlighted the controversy surrounding the penalty awarded to Orlando Pirates in the dying moments of the match. There was speculation that the referee favored the Sea Robbers, but further analysis confirmed that the decision was correct.

The incident became the central topic of discussion as the match seemed destined for a goalless draw. However, the penalty awarded in added time changed the course of the game dramatically. While some fans remain skeptical, the referee’s call has been vindicated, proving that justice was served on the field.