Masilela savours ‘dream come true’ Soweto Derby debut for Pirates

Simphiwe Masilela described his first Soweto Derby as “a dream come true” after helping Orlando Pirates defeat Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 and return to the top of the Betway Premiership table.

The midfielder featured as the Buccaneers claimed a vital victory over their fiercest rivals in a match which saw three goals scored across the two halves.

Orlando Pirates took the lead in the 24th minute when Yanela Mbuthuma found the net. Kaizer Chiefs responded six minutes later, with Pule Mmodi equalising for Amakhosi in the 30th minute.

The decisive moment arrived 10 minutes after half-time. Tshepang Moremi restored Pirates’ advantage in the 55th minute, and his goal proved enough to secure the points for the Sea Robbers.

Masilela said Pirates had created enough opportunities to win by a wider margin, while also praising the unity within the team.

“It was a good game for us,” Masilela said.

“We tried to create chances, although we did not convert the many chances we created. We should not have won by 2-1; we should have won by more than 2-1.

“I’m happy with the guys, the togetherness and the performance of the gents.”

Pirates debutants experience the derby

Six Orlando Pirates players made their first appearance in a Soweto Derby on the day. The debutants listed by the club were scorer Mokobodi, Simphiwe Masilela, Mthetheleli Mthiyane, Gamphani Lungu and Mpho Padime.

For Masilela, playing in the fixture at the stadium had been a long-held ambition since joining a Pirates side he described as the treble champions.

“It [playing a Soweto Derby] is a dream come true. I’ve been dreaming of playing at this stadium for a long time while playing for Pirates – the treble champions,” he said.

“So I’m very happy.”

Pirates and Chiefs turn to Carling Knockout

Pirates will next compete in the Carling Knockout, facing Sekhukhune United on Friday. The match is scheduled to begin at 19:00.

Kaizer Chiefs will also be in action on Friday, meeting Siwelele FC at FNB Stadium in the quarter-finals of the cup competition.