Orlando Pirates moved top of the table after their 2-1 win over Kaizer Chiefs in an enthralling Soweto Derby at FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
In a rather frenetic opening half hour, both sides showed desire to go forward and the usual aggression that the derby evokes – but the lack of composure and quality on the ball was telling.
- ALSO READ: Bobby Motaung Opens Up On His Chiefs Role
- Bucs Captain Explains Ouaddou’s Ruthlessness Message
It was no surprise that the opening two goals came from errors, with Yanela Mbuthuma opening the scoring from a counter attack, as Chiefs lost the ball just outside Pirates area on a counter of their own.
While it looked a touch offside, the South Africa international’s effort was deflected beyond Brandon Petersen for the opening strike.
Barely two minutes later, Chiefs equalised through the tireless Pule Mmodi, as Mfundo Vilakazi’s cross was fumbled by Sipho Chaine for a simple tap-in.
Pirates looked a shadow of the team that has been in dominant form this season, losing possession carelessly in their own area and being affected by the high press intensity of Fernando da Cruz’ side and they went into the break at 1-1, with Chiefs definitely the happier of the two sides.
Abdeslam Ouaddou responded at the break with Giamphani Lungu replacing Nkosikhona Ndaba, while Deon Hotto, who was fielded in an unfamiliar right-back role, moved to the left side.
It helped turn the tide in their favour and with another counter, Tshepang Moremi got the ‘home’ side back in the lead as they took their chance in a numerical advantage in a swift breakaway.
The Buccaneers could’ve added to the score-line in the final 10 minutes but were far too wasteful, while Appollis had a goal ruled out by offside.
The three points move the Buccaneers to the top of the table, two points ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns, while Chiefs stay in fifth – 11 points behind the league leaders, in what was their first defeat in the league under da Cruz.