Soweto Derby Masterclass As Pirates Crush Chiefs To Claim Top Spot
Orlando Pirates produced a clinical performance to dismantle arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs 3–0 in a sold-out Soweto Derby at FNB Stadium on Saturday.
The dominant victory propels the Buccaneers to the summit of the Betway Premiership table.
The win puts Pirates three points clear of Mamelodi Sundowns, totaling 41 points after 18 matches. However, the title race remains on a knife-edge; Abdelslam Ouaddou’s men have played one game more than Sundowns, who could reclaim the top spot on Sunday if they beat Sekhukhune United by a similar margin at Loftus Stadium.
A Night to Forget for Bruce Bvuma
In a move that raised eyebrows, Chiefs co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef handed Bruce Bvuma his first start of the season. Brandon Petersen, who had started every game prior, was omitted from the squad entirely due to being sick, with Fiacre Ntwari named on the bench.
The gamble didn’t pay off. Bvuma’s last Derby appearance was a 2–1 loss in May 2024, and Saturday’s encounter proved even more bruising.
Fast Start: Tshepang Moremi Makes History
Cheered on by a massive crowd of 87,436 spectators—including Manchester United legend Dwight Yorke—Pirates started “on a house on fire.”
It took just five minutes for Tshepang Moremi to etch his name into Derby folklore. The former AmaZulu attacker pounced on a loose ball following a short corner, firing home a deflected shot to give the “away” side an early lead. Pirates’ quick transitions left a rattled Amakhosi defense struggling to cope.
Dominance in the Capital
While Chiefs looked to soak up pressure and counter, they lacked the precision to hurt the Pirates’ backline. The Buccaneers doubled their lead in the 39th minute. After Kamogelo Sebelebele’s charging run was halted, Relebohile Mofokeng gathered the loose ball and expertly set up Oswin Appollis, who fired a clinical strike into the far post.
At 2–0, it already looked like a mountain too high for a Chiefs side that appeared bereft of ideas.
Second Half: Makgopa Seals the Deal
Chiefs attempted to claw their way back with a double substitution at halftime, bringing on Thabo Cele and Asanele Velebayi for Pule Mmodi and Nkosi Ngcobo. Later, Ashley Du Preez was introduced in hopes of repeating his previous Derby heroics. D Preez scored twice in 2024, but Chiefs lost 3-2 on that day.
However, Pirates remained in total control. The final nail in the coffin arrived in the 79th minute. A quick throw-in by Deon Hotto allowed Moremi to turn provider, curling a perfect cross for Evidence Makgopa. The substitute guided the ball past a hapless Bvuma to make it 3–0.
Pirates almost added a fourth in the 87th minute, but Nkosinathi Sibisi missed an open goal after losing his footing.
Historical Context
This result marks the first time Kaizer Chiefs have lost a Soweto Derby by a 3–0 margin since the MTN8 semi-final in October 2020. In the league, it is the first time since 2001 when the late Lesley Manyathela scored twice, and Benedict Vilakazi scored the other goal.
For the 87,000+ fans in attendance, it was a historic masterclass that shifts the balance of power in South African football firmly toward the black and white of Orlando.
Pic courtesy of Inja Ka Moya Snaps
