Patrick Maswanganyi of Orlando Pirates celebrates with teammates during DStv Premiership 2023/24 against Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on the 09 March 2024 © Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix.
Orlando Pirates move up the table
Orlando Pirates player Monnapule Saleng is a hero again. The victory over Kaizer Chiefs moved the Sea Robbers up the DStv Premiership log.
Patrick Maswanganyi of Orlando Pirates celebrates with teammates during DStv Premiership 2023/24 against Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on the 09 March 2024 © Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix.
It’s a great day to be an Orlando Pirates player and supporter. The Sea Robbers are the kings of Soweto.
“Orlando Pirates claimed Soweto Derby spoils after beating Kaizer Chiefs 3-2 in their DStv Premiership encounter played at FNB Stadium on Saturday,” the club proudly announced on Saturday night.
ORLANDO PIRATES PLAYER MONNAPULE SALENG SCORES TWICE TO DEFEAT KAIZER CHIEFS IN THE SOWETO DERBY
Who said the Soweto derby does not deliver goals and excitement? Saturday’s match was a five-goal thriller.
Amakhosi lost 3-2 to the Sea Robbers. After just six minutes, Stellenbosch-born star Ashley du Preez opened the lead for Kaizer Chiefs.
Pirates player Monnapule Saleng soon replied with the equaliser after 26 minutes. Chiefs’ Du Preez regained the lead a minute before half-time.
The Buccaneers had other plans in the second stanza. Thabiso Lebitso scored his first goal as a Pirates player to make it 2-2 before Saleng hit his second for the day for 3-2.
How the team lined-up: Sipho Chaine, Tapelo Xoki, Olisa Ndah (Nkosinathi Sibisi 76’), Thabiso Lebitso (Thabiso Monyane 87’), Deon Hotto, Miguel Timm (Thalente Mbatha 80’), Makheleni Makhaula, Monnapule Saleng (Innocent Maela 87’), Patrick Maswanganyi, Relebohile Mofokeng, Tshegofatso Mabasa (Souaibou Marou 80’).
LEAGUE TABLE CHANGE
So, how did the log table look after the final whistle? The Buccaneers jumped from fourth position to second.
Every Pirates player and technical staff member should know the job is still massive, though. Mamelodi Sundowns remain top with a 12-point lead, including three games in hand.
Coming up next for Jose Riveiro’s side is Nedbank Cup last 16 action. Motsepe Foundation Championship’s sixth-placed Hungry Lions are coming to Soweto.
The game will be played on Saturday, 16 March. Kick-off will be at 18:00 from the Orlando Stadium in Soweto.
Will the Buccaneers successfully finish second and return to the CAF Champions League? Let us know in the comments section below.
