ICE COLD Yanela Mbuthuma set the derby alight with the opening goal before Moremi fired home the winner.

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Orlando Pirates claimed the bragging rights in the Soweto Derby after edging Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 at FNB Stadium on Saturday, with Tshepang Moremi scoring the decisive goal.

Moremi struck in the 55th minute to restore Pirates’ lead after the two sides went into half-time level at 1-1.

Chiefs started the contest brighter and could arguably have been two goals ahead inside the opening 15 minutes, with Wandile Duba and Pule Mmodi both guilty of wasting glorious opportunities.

However, it was Pirates who broke the deadlock in the 24th minute through Yanela Mbuthuma.

The striker showed strength to bulldoze his way into the penalty area before unleashing a shot that took a deflection and flew past Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen.

Pirates’ lead lasted just six minutes, though, as Mmodi capitalised on a costly mistake from Sipho Chaine to restore parity.

The Bafana Bafana goalkeeper failed to hold onto a low cross into the box, allowing Mmodi to pounce on the loose ball and tap into an empty net in the 30th minute.

The teams went into the half-time break level at 1-1, but Pirates found another gear after the restart.

Moremi, who had been in impressive form heading into the derby, made his mark in the 55th minute to restore the Buccaneers’ advantage.

The winger’s goal was the product of an excellent attacking move, with Thapelo Mokobodi breaking from midfield and exploiting the space behind Chiefs’ high defensive line.

Mokobodi then picked out Moremi, who finished the move to register his fifth Betway Premiership goal of the season.

The goal underlined why Moremi has become such an important attacking outlet for Pirates, particularly after his brace in their 3-0 Carling Knockout victory over Milford FC earlier in the week.

Chiefs pushed for another equaliser during the closing stages, but Pirates held on to secure a valuable derby victory and leave their supporters celebrating.

For Moremi, it was another decisive contribution in a season where his attacking output has continued to grow. For Pirates, it was a result that delivered more than just three points — it delivered bragging rights over their fiercest rivals.