Orlando Pirates claimed derby bragging rights with a hard-fought 2-1 win over arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs in a packed Betway Premiership clash at FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Buccaneers started on the front foot in Nasrec, pinning Amakhosi back early on and forcing the visitors into early fouls, with Reeve Frosler picking up a yellow card in the eighth minute.
The opening goal arrived midway through the first half when Yanela Mbuthuma capitalised on hesitant defending to slot past Brandon Petersen in the 24th minute, scoring his first goal in this fixture to send the home fans into raptures.
Chiefs hit back six minutes later after a blundering error from Sipho Chaine. The keeper spilled a simple catch inside his own penalty area, allowing Pule Mmodi to pounce on the loose ball and tap home into an empty net to level matters in the 30th minute.
Tempers flared as the half drew to a close, with yellow cards handed out to Simphiwe Selepe and Lebone Seema before a quick VAR check brought an end to an intense first forty-five minutes.
Pirates regained control shortly after the restart when Tshepang Moremi found space inside the area in the 55th minute after a swift breakaway, following some great work down the right by Thapelo Mokobodi.
Amakhosi pushed forward in search of a late equaliser by throwing on fresh attacking options, but the Buccaneers held firm under pressure to secure all three points from South Africa’s biggest fixture on the football calendar.
The victory propels Orlando Pirates to the summit of the Betway Premiership standings for now, while Kaizer Chiefs are left searching for answers after failing to win their fourth successive league outing.
Photo: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images
