Orlando Pirates ran out 3-1 victors against arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto Derby on Saturday afternoon at the FNB Stadium, writes DEAN WORKMAN.
On Saturday, 3 March 2018, Orlando Pirates beat Kaizer Chiefs 3-1 in the latest instalment of the Soweto Derby. The hype around the game was questioned before kick-off, but this time around, it didn’t disappoint as fans and neutrals alike were treated with some entertaining football at the FNB Stadium.
Steve Komphela’s men started the game as Pirates looked a little off the pace. It was, however, the Buccaneers who took the lead. Chiefs failed to clear their lines and the ball dropped to Thembinkosi Lorch who, despite a poor first touch, managed to roll the ball past Itumeleng Khune in the Chiefs’ goal on 21 minutes.
Then just six minutes later, Amakhosi were level. An expertly taken free kick by veteran Siphiwe Tshabalala was met by Leonardo Castro, who made no mistake with his close-range header, leaving the score 1-1 after 27 minutes.
The game then opened up as both teams searched for a goal, but neither could find it before half-time.
Milutin Sredojevic’s men came out firing in the second stanza and seemingly straight from the kick-off restored their lead as Luvuyo Memela rounded off a sweeping move with his first touch after coming on as a half-time substitute, an inspired move by the Pirates head coach.
Chiefs were on the back foot as Pirates went close to extending their lead on a number of occasions until they finally managed to do so in the 73rd minute. Memela was at it again: finishing off another lightning-quick counterattack to make it 3-1.
Amakhosi pushed forward to get back into the game but only left themselves more exposed at the back, and if it wasn’t for some wasteful finishing and some smart saves by Khune, Chiefs could have walked away with an embarrassing defeat.
The 163rd edition of the Soweto Derby was certainly one for the memory banks and after years of disappointment for the fans, finally, there was an afternoon to savour: the Buccaneers winning 3-1 at the end, keeping the pressure on league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.
Photo: Backpagepix
