By Michael Madyira
Orlando Pirates came back from behind twice to edge Kaizer Chiefs 3-2 in a thrilling Premier Soccer League clash.
A brace each by Ashley du Preez and Monnapule Saleng ensured that Saturday’s Soweto Derby lived up to its billing.
Du Preez first struck six minutes into the contest before Saleng equalised for Pirates on 24 minutes.
Amakhosi went ahead again a minute before half-time with Du Preez sealing his derby double. For a player often criticised as notorious for missing glorious scoring chances, the feat was quite spectacular.
January signing Thabiso Lebitso then levelled for the Buccaneers in the 58th minute to cap a memorable maiden derby outing while Saleng had the final say 10 minutes later.
Pirates coach Jose Riveiro handed Lebitso his first start but missed the services of the injured duo Evidence Makgopa and Zakhele Lepasa.
Chiefs had Ranga Chivaviro out injured while defender Edmilson Dove was suspended.
But Reeve Frosler and Edson Castillo returned to start while Mduduzi Mdantsane was in the line-up for the first time since September 2023.
As the two giants were still trying to adjust themselves into the contest, Du Preez used his pace and shrugged off the challenge of Lebitso to fire into the roof of the net.
The Buccaneers immediately tried to claw their way back into the match, but Chiefs goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma came in to deny Patrick Maswanganyi face-to-face.
Having struggled for regular football this season, Saleng justified his derby start with a low shot just outside the box, leaving a hapless Bvuma sprawling on the ground as Pirates hit back.
But Chiefs reclaimed the lead just before the breather when Pule Mmodi set up Du Preez who fired into the top corner in what was another scintillating finish.
Another beautiful goal was to come; and this time it was a cracker by Lebitso from outside the box which hit the inner part of the crossbar into the net as Pirates equalised.
Moments later, the Buccaneers took the lead with Maswanganyi releasing Saleng who beat Bvuma to complete his brace.
Saleng almost grabbed a hat-trick in stoppage time, but his curler was repelled by Bvuma and Pirates walked away with maximum points.
It was the first time that the Buccaneers did a league double over their bitter rivals since 2008, silencing the Chiefs end of Soweto’s Soccer City.
Pictured above: Orlando Pirates wideman Monnapule Saleng and Kaizer Chiefs left-back Sifiso Hlanti vie for the ball
Image source: Orlando Pirates
