Pirates Edge Chiefs in Soweto Derby as Moremi Strikes and Miguel Sees Red
Orlando Pirates beat Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 at FNB Stadium on Saturday, extending their unbeaten league run and piling more pressure on Fernando Da Cruz.
Pirates took the lead in the 24th minute through Yanela Mbuthuma, whose attempt took a cruel ricochet off Thabo Moloisane and looped past Brandon Petersen. Chiefs hit back six minutes later after Sipho Chaine fumbled a Mfundo Vilakazi cross, and Pule Mmodi toe-poked in the equaliser. It was 1-1 at half-time.
Tshepang Moremi proved the difference in the 55th minute, restoring Pirates’ lead and handing the Buccaneers the three points they were chasing.
The Buccaneers thought they had a third when Oswin Appollis found the net, but it was ruled out for offside. Moremi later missed a sitter that would have put the result beyond doubt, and Chiefs stayed in the game until the end.
Amakhosi’s frustrating afternoon ended with a red card. Inacio Miguel received his second yellow in the 90th minute and was sent off, leaving Chiefs with ten men for the closing stages.
The win keeps Pirates unbeaten in the league and puts them in pole position in the title race, having conceded just two goals all season. Chiefs, fifth before the match, remain winless in the league against Pirates in their last six meetings. Da Cruz was backed by the board and the club’s football manager this week, but this result will intensify the questions.
