Mokobodi savours first Soweto derby as Pirates overcome Chiefs

Thapelo Mokobodi described his first Soweto derby as an unforgettable experience after helping Orlando Pirates beat Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 at FNB Stadium on Saturday.

The midfielder was named man of the match after assisting Yanela Mbuthuma and Tshepang Moremi, whose goals secured the points and local bragging rights for Pirates in the Betway Premiership. Pule Mmodi scored for Kaizer Chiefs, but his effort ultimately proved only a consolation.

Mokobodi said representing Pirates in South Africa’s biggest domestic fixture was a privilege.

“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.

The playmaker acknowledged the intensity of the occasion, adding that the contest carried greater significance than an ordinary league match because of the rivalry between the two Soweto clubs.

“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,” Mokobodi said.

Despite creating both of Pirates’ goals, Mokobodi admitted the Buccaneers had struggled to impose themselves before the interval. He said the team knew it had to improve after half-time to achieve its objective.

“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,” he said.

Winger Simphiwe Masilela, 22, also made his Soweto derby debut for Pirates. He called the occasion a “dream come true” and felt his side should have won by a more convincing margin.

Masilela had long wanted to play at FNB Stadium and said doing so in Pirates colours made the occasion even more significant.

“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,” he said.

Although pleased with the performance, Masilela believed Pirates had been wasteful in front of goal after creating several opportunities.

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

Mokobodi and Masilela are expected to retain their places in the starting line-up when Pirates host Sekhukhune United in the Carling Knockout quarter-finals at Orlando Amstel Arena this coming weekend.