A convincing first-half display and on-point substitution got the job done for Orlando Pirates to seal an emphatic 3-0 victory over Kaizer Chiefs and claim Soweto Derby bragging rights at FNB Stadium on Saturday.
More importantly for the Buccaneers, it was maximum points in the bag to displace Mamelodi Sundowns from the top of the Betway Premiership standings. However, the Brazilians could return to the summit if they beat Sekhukhune United on Sunday.
Inflicting a third straight defeat on Chiefs in all competitions, Pirates ran riot to recover from a two-match losing streak going into the derby. It was a statement victory by Pirates, sending out a message about their character in this title race on an afternoon when coach Abdeslam Ouaddou was taking charge of Sea Robbers in his maiden Soweto Derby.
Chiefs had no answers to respond to what was unfolding before their eyes as they remain fourth on the standings, now with 11 points fewer than the Buccaneers.
The absence from the matchday squad of Chiefs first-choice goalkeeper Brandon Petersen was the biggest surprise of the afternoon as Bruce Bvuma stepped in to guard goal.
Amakhosi coaches made some changes from the team that lost to Stellenbosch FC in midweek, bringing in Thabiso Monyane, Inacio Miguel and Pule Mmodi. Wing-backs Dillan Silomons and Paseka Mako and Ashley du Preez were dropped as the tacticians maintained faith in Ethan Chislett, who had made his Chiefs debut four days earlier.
Ouaddou had a boost following the return of Thalente Mbatha from injury to partner Makhehlene Makhaula in central midfield. An attacking combination of Tshepang Moremi, Relebohile Mofokeng and Oswin Appollis was always going to be a handful for Chiefs.
MOREMI WITH A GOAL AND ASSIST ON SOWETO DERBY DEBUT
It took just five minutes into the match for Moremi to find the target, although his effort was deflected into the back of the net by Flavio da Silva in what was the former AmaZulu FC star’s first Soweto Derby appearance.
Chiefs were under pressure and Miguel almost headed the ball into the back of his own net while attempting to defend a corner kick in the 10th minute. Amid being on the backpaddle, Chiefs almost hit back through Nkosingiphile Ngcobo’s 33rd-minute freekick, but Hotto cleared danger after Sipho Chaine had punched the ball into play within his goal area.
Mofokeng then set up Appollis to fire home and put Pirates firmly in command with six minutes to the break. Shortly after, Chiefs thought they deserved a penalty when Hotto appeared to have fouled Da Silva inside the box. But the referee waved play on.
Some poor marking by Chiefs defenders gifted substitute Evidence Makgopa free space and time to rise and head in Moremi’ cross 11 minutes before time, in what was a goal that extinguished any hopes of an Amakhosi comeback.
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