Derby Delight! Orlando Pirates Edge Kaizer Chiefs in Thrilling Soweto Derby
Orlando Pirates claimed the bragging rights in the first Soweto Derby of the Betway Premiership season after securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory over arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs in front of a packed FNB Stadium on Sunday.
The Buccaneers started brightly and nearly opened the scoring in the fourth minute when they won possession high up the pitch, but Simphiwe Masilela’s effort drifted wide of goal. Chiefs responded well, with Wandile Duba forcing a save from Sipho Chaine after a superb through ball from Mduduzi Shabalala in the 13th minute, before Pule Mmodi saw an effort flash inches wide three minutes later.
Both sides continued to create opportunities in an action-packed first half. Lebone Seema came close for Pirates with a glancing header, while Yanela Mbuthuma caused problems for the Amakhosi defence with his pace and direct running. Chiefs defender Reeve Frosler was the first player booked in the contest after eight minutes.
Pirates eventually found the breakthrough in the 24th minute. Mbuthuma latched onto an attacking move and calmly found the back of the net, sending the Buccaneers supporters into celebration as the visitors took a 1-0 lead.
Chiefs fought back and were rewarded six minutes later. Mmodi capitalised after Chaine failed to deal with the ball at the first attempt, bundling home the equaliser to level matters at 1-1. The remainder of the first half saw both teams battle fiercely in midfield, with Simphiwe Selepe and Lebone Seema both entering the referee’s notebook before the break.
The Buccaneers made a change at halftime, introducing Gamphani Lungu for Nkosikhona Ndaba, and the substitution helped inject fresh energy into their play. Their persistence paid off in the 55th minute when Tshepang Moremi restored Pirates’ lead with a well-taken finish to make it 2-1.
Chiefs pushed hard for another equaliser and came agonisingly close in the 68th minute when Duba raced through on goal, only to be denied by an excellent save from Chaine. Pirates continued to manage the game well and nearly added a third goal late on, but Oswin Appollis saw his strike ruled out for offside.
The closing stages produced more drama as Chiefs defender Inacio Miguel received a second yellow card in stoppage time after fouling Lungu, reducing Amakhosi to ten men. Pirates comfortably saw out the remaining minutes to secure a valuable victory.
The final whistle sparked celebrations among the Buccaneers faithful as Orlando Pirates emerged 2-1 winners, maintaining their dominance on the day and walking away with all three points in South African football’s biggest fixture.
Orlando Pirates Starting XI: Chaine, Ndaba, Seema, Sibisi, Hotto, Selepe, Mbatha, Mokobodi, Moremi, Masilela, Mbuthuma.
Pirates Substitutes: Dladla, Kgositsile, Padime, Zulu, Mthiyane, Lungu, Nkota, Makgopa, Appollis.
Kaizer Chiefs Starting XI: Petersen, Frosler, Mako, Miguel, Moloisane, Maboe, Vilakazi, Mthethwa, Duba, Shabalala, Mmodi.
Chiefs Substitutes: Bvuma, Kwinika, Dortley, Nkgwesa, Mabaso, Da Silva, Chislett, Velebayi, Abrahams.