Five moments from the Soweto Derby as Pirates edge Chiefs in a thriller

Obakeng Meletse|Published 1 month ago

Kaizer Chiefs Njabulo Blom conceded the foul on Relebohile Mofokeng of Orlando Pirates, which resulted in the penalty that ensured a result for the Sea Robbers. Photo: Itumeleng English Independent Media

Orlando Pirates' season has not been perfect but it’s still burning bright as they march on following their last-gasp 1-0 win over Kaizer Chiefs at the FNB Stadium on Saturday.

The Sea Robbers are now on 30 points, just behind soon-to-be opponents Mamelodi Sundowns, after 12 matches. Here, Obakeng Meletse looks at the most impressive moments from the Soweto Derby.

Kaizer Chiefs Pule Mmodi, right, fluffed an early opportunity in the Soweto Derby. | Itumeleng English Independent Media

The story of the underdog

Scripted to be an epic encounter, the odds were heavily stacked against Chiefs, but the clash was turned on its head with ‘Goliath’ meeting a fearless ‘David’ and setting up what was an unexpected, tightly contested Derby.

Returning to the bench after serving his suspension due to a red card, Nasredine Nabi put out what was his most impressive XI, which went pound-for-pound against a Pirates side that has been on a relentless quest for glory in both domestic and continental football.

Despite being on the back foot for the majority of the match and surviving some close calls, Chiefs created a few of their own, particularly through a Pule Mmodi’s second-minute opportunity. The question moving forward will be whether they can back up that performance and remain consistent for the rest of the season.

Kaizer Chiefs George Matlou, right, and Orlando Pirates Patrick Maswanganyi tussle for possession during the Soweto Derby. | Itumeleng English Independent Media

A dinked delight

When the situation calls for an emergency, you can call on Patrick Maswanganyi. The FNB Stadium was packed to capacity, and Maswanganyi had all of Orlando’s hopes on his shoulders as his spot kick was not only critical for winning the fixture but, in the bigger scheme of things, crucial in their title race.

Gutsy and stylish, the 26-year-old dished out a dinked delight that sealed a win that could prove to be key for the rest of the season.

Kaizer Chiefs Inacio Miguel clears his line. | Itumeleng English Independent Media

An improved defensive showing

Led by Bruce Bvuma, Amakhosi were well in the contest until a misjudgement by Njabulo Blom allowed Relebohile Mofokeng to power his way through on goal before being pulled back by the defender, earning the Buccaneers a late penalty.

Coming into the contest, many had the Glamour Boys locked in and loaded for a lesson they will never forget. Considering that they have one of the worst defensive records in the league, the pairing of Inacio Miguel and Rushwin Dortley, with Blom for a large part of the match, managed to contain the threat from players like Mofokeng and Tshegofatso Mabasa.

Bvuma has grown by leaps and bounds. The 29-year-old was the most impressive figure in the Chiefs defence, making a couple of key interceptions and saves that kept his side in the contest for longer than they would have expected.

The Ghost left FNB Stadium with the bragging rights on Saturday. | Itumeleng English Independent Media

Winning at all costs

In a title race, some wins will be scrappy, but to keep the competition alive, the most essential aspect is to secure victories, even if they are dirty.

The Buccaneers have, in previous seasons, dropped crucial points that returned to haunt them in the latter parts of their league campaign. This season has been different, and the last-gasp win against Chiefs is another example of how they secured maximum points, despite not having the best of matches.