Mokobodi and Masilela savour first Soweto derby victories with Orlando Pirates

Thapelo Mokobodi described his first Soweto derby as an “amazing” experience after playing a key role in Orlando Pirates’ 2-1 victory over Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on Saturday.

The midfielder was named Man of the Match after assisting both of Pirates’ goals as they claimed the bragging rights in one of the biggest fixtures in the PSL.

Yanela Mbuthuma and Tshepang Moremi scored for the Buccaneers, while Pule Mmodi’s goal proved to be only a consolation for Amakhosi.

For Mokobodi, the match marked an important milestone in his career with Pirates.

“It was my first derby and I am grateful for the opportunity to represent this club. What a blessing to be part of this team, this journey,” he said.

“To be able to experience such a game is amazing. This wasn’t an easy game because it’s not just like any other game … there’s rivalry between two Soweto giants.”

Pirates did not produce their best performance before the interval, according to Mokobodi, but he said the team understood it had to improve after half-time to secure all three points.

“We had to show up because our objective was always to get three points. Our first half wasn’t so good, but we had to react and represent the badge,” Mokobodi said.

Masilela hails ‘dream come true’

Simphiwe Masilela, another Pirates player making his Soweto derby debut, said the occasion had fulfilled a long-held ambition.

The 22-year-old also felt the result did not fully reflect the chances created by his side, claiming Pirates should have beaten Kaizer Chiefs by a more convincing margin.

“It was a dream come true for me to play in the Soweto derby. I’ve always wanted to play at FNB Stadium and of course doing it while playing for the Buccaneers makes it extra special,” Masilela said.

“It was a great game for us. We created chances, although we didn’t convert most of those opportunities. We should not have won 2-1, but by a bigger scoreline.”

Mokobodi and Masilela are expected to retain their places in the starting XI when Orlando Pirates host Sekhukhune United in the quarter-finals of the Carling Knockout.

The match will be played at Orlando Amstel Arena this coming weekend.