Orlando Pirates claimed the DStv Premiership Soweto Derby bragging rights following their 3-2 win over arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Mzansi came to a standstill this weekend when the two Soweto giants locked horns in a mouthwatering tie which made good viewing for football fanatics in the stands.
Below are some of the talking points from this entertaining showdown.
ASHLEY DU PREEZ AND MONNAPULE SALENG SCORE BRACE
Chiefs winger Ashley Du Preez showed what he’s capable of when given a chance to take centre stage.
Du Preez broke the deadlock as early as six minutes into the clash to put Amakhosi in front.
However, Monnapule Saleng scored an equaliser in the 24th minute of the showpiece, giving the Buccaneers fans hope that they could win the match.
Just two minutes before the interval, Du Preez completed his brace from a counterattack, giving Chiefs another lead.
In the second half, Pirates came back to take the lead through goals from Thabiso Lebitso in the 57th minute of the match and Saleng, who completed his brace in the 67th minute.
This is the first time in PSL history that players from both Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates secure braces in the Soweto Derby.
EVIDENCE MAKGOPA’S ABSENCE
Pirates came into this clash without the services of Bafana Bafana international Evidence Makgopa due to an injury.
Makgopa sustained a knock which he picked up after netting the winner in last Saturday’s 1-0 win over Polokwane City at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium.
Coach Jose Riveiro opted to start with Tshegofatso Mabasa, who had a good game when they played against relegation-threatened side Cape Town Spurs on Wednesday night.
PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA IN ATTENDANCE
The President of the country Honorable Cyril Ramaphosa and Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture Zizi Kodwa were among the prominent people who graced the derby with their presence.
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos and his assistant Helman Mkhalele were also at the stadium.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
The Sea Robbers came into this game having enjoyed two consecutive victories over the Glamour Boys, winning 2-1 to progress to the final of last season’s Nedbank Cup before clinching another victory in the DStv Premiership clash played earlier in the season.
Pirates extended their winning run against Chiefs to three straight victories, something that made the Buccaneers fans happy.
In the last 17 league meetings between the two teams, Chiefs hold an advantage over Pirates with seven wins while the Buccaneers have emerged as winners on six occasions. Four games have ended in a draw during this period.
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