Thapelo Mokobodi celebrates first Soweto Derby victory with Orlando Pirates

Orlando Pirates midfielder Thapelo Mokobodi said he was grateful to experience his first Soweto Derby after helping the Buccaneers beat Kaizer Chiefs 2-1.

The 23-year-old was named Man of the Match after Pirates secured the bragging rights against their fierce rivals, recovering from Chiefs’ equaliser to claim all three points.

Mokobodi joined Orlando Pirates from Stellenbosch FC in July this year, having spent one season and a half at the club. He has quickly established himself at e’Sgodini, making regular starts under coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.

The former Marumo Gallants player has contributed two goals and four assists for Pirates across all competitions during the 2026/27 campaign.

Speaking to OP TV after the victory, Mokobodi praised the team’s response after Chiefs drew level and said the occasion demanded a strong performance from the players.

“It’s my first derby and I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent this club,” he said.

“What a blessings to be part of this. To able to experience such game. It’s not an easy game, it’s not just a game but it’s between rivals – the Soweto giants.

“I mean we had to show up. We had to win cos you know how adaptive it was to get the three points which we did.”

Mokobodi acknowledged that Pirates had struggled to impose themselves during the opening half, but said they had targeted an early goal and had to respond when Chiefs found the net.

“We had to create something. It wasn’t an easy game first half, but then we had to try our best to get an early goal which we did,” he said.

“And they scored and we had to react cos honestly our first half wasn’t so good.

“But we had to represent the badge very well.”

The result gave Mokobodi a winning start to his involvement in one of South African football’s biggest fixtures, while his individual performance underlined the impact he has made since moving to Orlando Pirates.