Here is how Pirates broke the Soweto derby hoodoo

Orlando Pirates went into the Soweto derby on Saturday afternoon at FNB Stadium with a negative recent record against their arch rivals Kaizer Chiefs, it was a run of 5 winless league matches stretching back to 2021. It was an opportunity for the current crop of players to end Chiefs’ dominance.

The Buccaneers aimed at improving on their recent Soweto derby record by beating Kaizer Chiefs, a proven menace to Pirates in league games. A first half goal tilted the fortunes to one side, it decided the match and the bragging rights. Orlando Pirates started off brightly and saw most of the ball in crucial positions, but two injuries enforced changes in the first half meant that the team had to adapt to tactical changes at different points of the game.

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Did Pirates need the win more than Chiefs?

Orlando Pirates lost Thabiso Monyane to a knee injury on the 5th minute mark after a challenge from Yusuf Maart. Bandile Shandu had to replace the injured right back, he started off shaky as he was still trying to grow into the game. A wake-up call came when Shandu failed to clear a flighted ball that flew over his head. The ball got to Castillo who had to beat the oncoming Melusi Buthelezi, the keeper was also unable to measure the height of the ball as he attempted to clear it with his hand, but Castillo still managed to get a shot at goal before Bandile Shandu redeemed himself to clear the ball off the line.

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Bandile Shandu continued to improve on his earlier scare, his notable involvement on the offensive side of the field came on the 20th minute. Miguel Timm spotted the run of Shandu on the far right, Timm unleashed a weighted pass over the heads of the Chiefs defense to Bandile Shandu. It was at this point where Chiefs’ defensive line was broken, Shandu volleyed the ball to cross over to the far post where Evidence Makgopa was waiting to notch it home; Pirates is 1 nil up.

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Soweto derby brought fireworks from both sides

Pirates had a chance to extend the lead with their continued penetrative passes through the Chiefs defense but Itumeleng Khune had to be called on a few occasions to keep the scoreline within Kaizer Chiefs reach. The first half ended with Chiefs trailing. A lot of work to do in the second half in order to level matters and even go on to win the game.

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Pirates takes home the 3 points and the bragging rights

Kaizer Chiefs came back guns blazing in the second half. They attacked with great intent, but Pirates held their resolve; it was a solid and resilient showing by Pirates to deal with waves of attacks from Kaizer Chiefs as they upped the tempo and aggressiveness to their approach in search for the equaliser. Pirates put in a shift to see out the game to emerge with a slender victory over their rivals, they claimed all the 3 points and the bragging rights to end the dominance of Kaizer Chiefs in recent times.

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