Orlando Pirates continued their impressive run in the Betway Premiership with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs in Saturday’s Soweto Derby at the FNB Stadium.
The Buccaneers came from behind to secure all three points, extending their winning streak to seven consecutive league matches and moving to the top of the Premiership standings, although other teams were still scheduled to play over the weekend.
The victory also preserved Pirates’ unbeaten home record this season and further strengthened their recent dominance over Kaizer Chiefs in South Africa’s biggest football rivalry.
The highly anticipated first Soweto Derby of the new campaign began with both teams showing caution, as neither side was willing to take unnecessary risks in the opening stages.
Kaizer Chiefs created the first significant opportunity after 10 minutes when Wandile Duba latched onto a through pass from Mduduzi Shabalala, but his attempt was denied by Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine.
Pirates gradually grew into the contest and threatened through Yanela Mbuthuma, who went down while attempting to shoot from close range. However, the referee waved away the home side’s penalty appeals.
Mbuthuma made amends shortly afterwards, opening the scoring in the 24th minute. The forward was released by Thapelo Mokobodi before firing home from a difficult angle, with his effort taking a deflection off Chiefs defender Thabo Moloisane on its way into the net.
Chiefs responded quickly and restored parity through Pule Mmodi, who capitalised on an unusual mistake by Chaine to turn the ball into the net from close range.
The visitors pushed for a second goal before the interval, but Mfundo Vilakazi failed to direct his attempt on target.
Pirates also came close to regaining the lead when Lebone Seema’s header from a set-piece delivery narrowly missed the target.
The second half resumed with both sides maintaining the intensity, but it was the Buccaneers who found the breakthrough just 10 minutes after the restart.
A well-constructed attacking move beginning in their own half caught the Chiefs defence off guard. Mokobodi delivered the decisive pass to Tshepang Moremi, who calmly finished past goalkeeper Brandon Petersen to restore Pirates’ advantage.
With the lead secured, Pirates looked increasingly comfortable and created several opportunities to extend their advantage.
Moremi almost doubled his personal tally when his effort struck the woodwork, while another promising opportunity created by Oswin Appollis went begging after the winger failed to hit the target.
Deon Hotto and Evidence Makgopa also threatened as Pirates continued to put the Chiefs defence under pressure.
Despite the late attacking efforts from both teams, the Buccaneers maintained their advantage until the final whistle to complete an important derby victory.
The result represents another significant achievement for Orlando Pirates, who have now won six of their last seven Soweto Derby meetings against Kaizer Chiefs.
With seven consecutive league victories, Pirates will be looking to maintain their momentum as the Betway Premiership title race gathers pace.
