The Soweto Derby between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs has traditionally been a ‘country for old men’ with youngsters very seldom thrown into the mix by coaches over the past 15 seasons.
There have been exceptions though and players with little experience who have gone on to light up the biggest game in South African football.
Here are 10 names who made a memorable impact on the fixture as a young player.
Frosler has been a thorn in Pirates’ side in a number of Soweto Derby matches, having made his debut in this fixture as a 21-year-old following his move from BidVest Wits to Chiefs in 2019. He played a major hand in helping Chiefs win the first two derbies he took part in, and then proved a match winner himself with a goal in a 2-1 success in the 2021/22 season. He has played in eight derbies in all, winning six of them.
Jali was a brash 19-year-old when he played in his first Soweto Derby game in October 2009, a goalless draw in the league. His skill and powerful displays in midfield were perfect for this type of occasion, as he is a hugely competitive player who hates to lose any game, let alone one to a fierce rival. He scored in one of the greatest Derby games of recent times as Pirates edged Chiefs 3-2 in 2012, and in his four-and-a-half seasons with The Buccaneers, had three wins and three losses in 13 games against Chiefs.
Jele had to wait a few years to taste success over Chiefs but one thing is for sure, the centre-back gave his all every second he was on the pitch, including on his Derby debut as a 21-year-old in 2008. He claimed a first win by helping Pirates to the 2010 MTN8 final as they beat Chiefs 1-0 in the second leg of their semifinal. In all, he made 29 Derby appearances, winning nine and losing seven to go with 13 draws.
Khune had only just turned 20 years old when he made his Soweto Derby debut in 2007, featuring in a 2-2 draw that was a hugely entertaining encounter and an excellent way for him to sample South Africa’s biggest show. In a long career that has at times been blighted by injury, he has gone on to make 27 Derby appearances, and has been back in the starting line-up at Naturena this season, so could yet add to that tally.
Lepasa had already hurt Chiefs in the colours of TS Galaxy when he scored on his Soweto Derby debut at the age of 23, having beaten the AmaKhosi in the Nedbank Cup while on loan at the second-tier side in 2019. He netted the first goal for Chiefs in a comprehensive 3-0 MTN8 semifinal, first leg win for Pirates as they romped through to the final and lifted the trophy. He has found the going tough since and is currently on loan at SuperSport United.