Orlando Pirates claim crucial Soweto derby victory over Kaizer Chiefs

Orlando Pirates secured a thrilling 2-1 victory over their Soweto rivals, Kaizer Chiefs, on Saturday, completing a Betway Premiership double. This victory marks a significant turnaround for the Buccaneers, who recently faced setbacks against Pyramids FC in the CAF Champions League and Sekhukhune United in the league.

Both teams took to the pitch with heightened anticipation, and the match kicked off 30 minutes later than scheduled due to a late influx of fans at the venue. The early minutes of the encounter saw Chiefs take a surprising lead just two minutes in, when Dillon Solomons intercepted the ball and set up Makabi Lilepo for a powerful shot that slipped past Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine, igniting the crowd.

Initially rocked by the early goal, the Pirates quickly gained composure, demonstrating resilience and determination. Their effort paid off in the 24th minute when a beautifully executed pass from Mohau Nkota found Evidence Makgopa, who deftly finished through the legs of Chiefs’ keeper Bruce Bvuma to equalise at 1-1.

The Buccaneers pressed onward, nearly taking the lead shortly after when Tapelo Xoki’s header from a Deon Hotto free kick was expertly tipped over the bar by Bvuma. Pirates continued to exert pressure, with Makgopa creating another opportunity that ultimately went wide, underscoring their intent to dominate the match.

As the first half drew to a close, Chiefs threatened to regain the lead in injury time, but Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s own goal attempt was thwarted by a quick reaction from Chaine, keeping the score level at the break.

Adjustments were made during halftime, with Pirates bringing on Kabelo Dlamini for defender Paseka Mako, allowing Deon Hotto to drop back into defence. Dlamini almost made an immediate impact, narrowly missing just over the bar in the 50th minute.

The decisive moment came in the 69th minute when a brilliant combination between Hotto and Relebohile Mofokeng saw the latter fire a low shot through a crowded defence into the net, giving Pirates a 2-1 lead. The Amakhosi fought desperately to find an equaliser, subbing in players like Edson Castillo and Ashley du Preez to boost their attack.

However, memories of a fierce derby were tainted for Chiefs when Bradley Cross earned a second yellow card in injury time, leaving the hosts with ten men and quashing any hopes of a comeback.

As the dust settles from this derby clash, the Pirates close the gap to league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, now sitting nine points adrift. For Chiefs, this defeat extends their winless streak in the league to seven matches, leaving them teetering precariously at ninth place, just level with eighth-placed Chippa United, albeit having played two additional matches.

Looking ahead, Pirates will be back in action on Tuesday, 6 May, against Golden Arrows before facing Chiefs once more in the Nedbank Cup final set for Saturday, 10 May, at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.