Orlando Pirates secured a 1-0 slender win over Kaizer Chiefs in a DStv Premiership Soweto Derby clash at FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Below are the talking points from this mouthwatering showdown between Chiefs and Pirates.
SOLD OUT AFFAIR
The Soweto Derby is one of the season’s much-anticipated showdowns given the storied rivalry between the two sides.
With that being said, tickets for Saturday’s Soweto Derby fixture between Chiefs and Pirates at FNB Stadium were officially sold out before the kick-off.
The fans’ abundant roars and rumbles in the stands were just priceless.
EVIDENCE MAKGOPA SHINES
The former Baroka FC forward Evidence Makgopa registered his second league goal, his third of the season across all competitions.
The 23-year-old footballer continues to prove his doubters wrong and shows why coach Jose Riveiro has put so much trust in him.
Last campaign, the player struggled for game time due to injury and this term, the Bafana Bafana star is aiming to serve his doubters a humble pie.
ITUMELENG KHUNE FACTOR
This was Itumeleng Khune’s 28th Soweto Derby, and the veteran goalie was expected to have a bigger role in this tie given his extensive experience of the beautiful game.
Unfortunately, things did not go exactly how many people would have hoped. Khune couldn’t help his side to secure a draw or victory against the Buccaneers.
FIFA PRESIDENT IN ATTENDANCE
Today was a historic Soweto Derby day as FIFA president Gianni Infantino was among the prominent people who graced the derby with his presence.
The CAF president Dr Patrice Motsepe was also in attendance.
LOWEST PRE-DERBY POSITION SINCE 2017
For Pirates, 10th position on the log standings is the lowest pre-derby position since 2017. And for Chiefs, 7th is their pre-derby average position post-Covid.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
The first-ever Soweto Derby between the two teams was played 53 years ago.
In fact, this was the 179th Soweto Derby between both sides.
Amakhosi have won 74 derbies between the sides, with Pirates winning 46, while 54 have ended in a draw.
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