Orlando Pirates defeat Kaizer Chiefs to go top after Soweto Derby win

Orlando Pirates claimed Soweto Derby bragging rights and moved top of the Betway Premiership with a 2-1 victory over Kaizer Chiefs at a sold-out FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Yanela Mbuthuma and Tshepang Moremi scored for the defending champions, while Pule Mmodi replied for Kaizer Chiefs. The result gave Pirates a first league win over their rivals in the match and handed Chiefs their first defeat of the league campaign.

Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou selected Mbuthuma ahead of Evidence Makgopa, who has scored five goals in 11 games against Amakhosi. Kaizer Chiefs brought captain Inacio Miguel back into the starting line-up, with Rushwin Dortley dropping to the bench after Tuesday’s victory over TS Galaxy.

Pirates enjoyed slightly more possession in the early stages, but Kaizer Chiefs created the clearer chances during the opening 15 minutes. Wandile Duba failed to convert a one-on-one opportunity inside the penalty area before Mmodi sent another chance wide.

Those misses proved costly when Pirates went ahead in the 24th minute. Mbuthuma ran on to a ball over the top and his effort took a deflection on its way past Brandon Petersen. It was the forward’s first goal in the Soweto Derby, although replays appeared to suggest he may have been in an offside position.

Kaizer Chiefs responded six minutes later. Sipho Chaine failed to hold Mfundo Vilakazi’s cross, allowing Mmodi to react first and fire the loose ball into the net to restore parity.

Pirates started the second half strongly and regained the lead 10 minutes after the restart. Thapelo Mokobodi got behind the Kaizer Chiefs defence before choosing to square the ball rather than shoot, leaving Moremi with a straightforward finish.

Kaizer Chiefs were forced into a further change with 20 minutes remaining when Reeve Frosler was carried off on a stretcher after suffering an injury. Zitha Kwinika replaced him, while Faiz Abrahams came on for Vilakazi five minutes later.

The visitors’ hopes of salvaging a point ended in the 90th minute when Miguel was shown a second yellow card and sent off. It completed a difficult afternoon for the Amakhosi.

Next five fixtures

Kaizer Chiefs host Siwelele FC before away matches against Chippa United and Milford FC. They then face TS Galaxy at home and travel to Marumo Gallants.

Orlando Pirates welcome Sekhukhune United next, followed by an away trip to Simba SC. Their remaining fixtures are at home to Golden Arrows and Stellenbosch before an away match against Richards Bay.