SoccerClub writer DYLAN APPOLIS looks at the top-five most memorable Soweto derbies between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.

The Soweto giants are set to go head to head in the latest edition of the Soweto derby when they battle it out in the Carling Black Label Cup on Saturday, with kick-off set for 3pm.

The rivalry between the two sides is considered to be one of the most fiercely contested matches in African football, which dates back to 24 January 1970.

1. 1999-2000: Kaizer Chiefs 2-2 Orlando Pirates

Siyabonga Nomvethe scored one of the fastest goals in the history of the derby during the 1999-2000 campaign when he bagged a brace. However, Dennis Lots equalised a minute later before Phumlani Mkhize secured a point for Pirates with an equaliser 18 minutes from time.

2. 2001-02: Kaizer Chiefs 0-3 Orlando Pirates 

The Buccaneers claimed their biggest victory over their rivals in the PSL era when the late Lesley Manyathela and Benedict Vilakazi terrorised the Amakhosi defence. Vilakazi set Manyathela up for the opening goal and allowed him to complete his brace before the first half ended. However, Vilakazi rounded off the scoring to hand Pirates all three points at the FNB Stadium.

3. 2007-08: Orlando Pirates 2-2 Kaizer Chiefs 

The battle between the late Senzo Meyiwa and Itumeleng Khune started when the two sides met in November 2007. Both goalkeepers conceded twice, with Meyiwa getting beaten by the fastest derby goal to date when Mabhuti Khenyeza scored after just 19 seconds of play. Excellent Walaza then scored twice to hand Pirates the lead, but Arthur Zwane denied the Buccaneers maximum points to salvage a point for Amakhosi.

4. 2010-11: Orlando Pirates 1-3 Kaizer Chiefs 

Zimbabwean striker Knowledge Musona proved to be the difference between the two sides when he bagged a brace, added to an own goal by veteran Daine Klate. However, Pirates managed to score a late consolation goal through Nigerian forward Ezenwa Otorogu.

5. 2011-12: Orlando Pirates 3-2 Kaizer Chiefs

Benni McCarthy returned for this matchup, playing in his first Soweto derby since joining the Buccaneers. The Bafana Bafana all-time top-scorer bagged a brace while midfielder Andile Jali added another. Goals from Siphiwe Tshabalala and Lehlohonolo Majoro were nevertheless not enough to complete Amakhosi’s comeback as the match ended 3-2 in favour of Pirates.

In every Soweto derby, there are always one-on-one clashes that highlight the game, and Saturday will be no different. It’s definitely an occasion where the boys are separated from the men.