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Competition was stiff this weekend—not just between Soweto derby titans Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates at FNB Stadium—but also in the fashion arena.
Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates kit, Picture Instagram
As Pirates clinched a 2-1 win on the pitch, Chiefs arguably triumphed in the pre-match style war, turning heads and timelines with their chic new kit that had fans screaming “Khosi 4 the drip!”
The Soweto Derby always brings fireworks, but this past weekend’s clash between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates offered more than just a thrilling 2-1 scoreline in favour of the Buccaneers — it sparked a fierce pre-match fashion face-off.
While Pirates grabbed points, Chiefs may have scored off-field with the reveal of their ultra-stylish new pre-match kit.
Designed by Old School, the same team behind Springbok fan gear and Pirates’ previous kits, the jersey drew rave reviews.
A clever blend of classic and current, the Amakhosi jersey features a knit collar, old gold tones and options between a soft gold torso or a clean white version, creating a sleek, retro-modern feel.
In a move that screamed “heritage meets high fashion”, Chiefs debuted the kit with a runway-worthy rollout. Legends Jabu Mahlangu (Pule) and Lucas Radebe, alongside style king DJ Oscar Mbo, fronted a polished photoshoot that wouldn’t look out of place in any fashion magazine.
On match day, players strutted out in the new kit paired with chinos and matching sneakers. Was it a football match or a fashion week opener?
You decide.
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The fan verdict? Unanimous adoration.
Social media lit up with praise:
“Kaizer Chiefs snapped with these jerseys.” – @mbali_ndlela
“Please release this to the public ASAP—you could make over R20 million! This is how you win off the pitch.”– @SkhumbuzoN71586
Fans didn’t just want the look —they were ready to buy it, wear it and flaunt it. Chiefs didn’t just cater; they captivated.
Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates debuted a more experimental kit, blending elements of streetwear and… cricket?
“Is that Proteas? I mean Pirates?”– @NathiSibiya8
“Pirates look like the Proteas going for a test match, so KC takes this one, I’m afraid.” – @Official_Ziwe
While a few fans appreciated the creativity, others weren’t feeling the vibe. Harshest of all?
“Pirates players look like patients at a Russian psychiatric hospital.” – @_chuptre
Ouch. Fashion risks are bold, but this one may need a post-match review.
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The style saga isn’t over.
This Saturday, Chiefs and Pirates will collide again at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in the Nedbank Cup Final.
With queues already snaking through malls and heading on to online stores in KwaZulu-Natal, fans aren’t just gearing up for football, they’re hunting down kits like limited-edition Jordans.
Will Old School drop a remix? Will Adidas and Pirates counter with a style rebound?
Soccer is more than 90 minutes. It’s theatre, identity and, yes, it’s fashion.
Whether it’s scoring goals or scoring outfits, Chiefs proved that sometimes, looking like champions matters just as much as winning like one.
This weekend? The scoreboard resets, but the style war rages on.
Let the best-dressed team win.
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