THE BUILD-UP had all the ingredients of a memorable Soweto Derby: two proud rivals, contrasting runs of form, title ambitions and a packed FNB Stadium. 

And in the end, the 186th meeting between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs did not disappoint, with the Buccaneers emerging 2-1 winners after a contest that swung in momentum before being settled by a moment of attacking quality.

For Pirates supporters, it was another afternoon to savour. For Chiefs, it was a missed opportunity to make a statement against their biggest rivals.

Pirates, however, struck first. 

In the 24th minute, Thapelo Mokobodi found Yanela Mbuthuma with a ball popped over the defence. The striker made his way into the penalty area and fired from a tight angle, with a deflection off Thabo Moloisane helping the ball past Brandon Petersen.

Chiefs were, however, level six minutes later, courtesy of a costly mistake at the other end. Chaine failed to hold a low cross from Vilakazi, allowing Mmodi to pounce on the loose ball and turn it into the net.

The Amakhosi finished the first half with encouragement, having created opportunities to go ahead. Vilakazi came close in the 43rd minute, his deflected effort brushing the top of the crossbar.

The adjustment helped Pirates find more space and threaten on the counter. In the 55th minute, Mokobodi again provided the decisive pass, releasing Tshepang Moremi after a quick move from midfield. Moremi kept his composure to finish and restore the Buccaneers’ lead.

Mokobodi’s contribution was central to the result. He supplied both assists, while Moremi delivered the finishing touch when it mattered. Mbuthuma also gave the Chiefs defence plenty to think about, while Vilakazi was among the more lively performers for Amakhosi, particularly before the break.

Pirates had chances to put the result beyond doubt. Moremi struck the woodwork in the closing stages, then missed another opportunity, while Oswin Appollis had a goal ruled out for offside. Evidence Makgopa also went close.

Chiefs were unable to find another equaliser and finished with 10 men after Inácio Miguel received a second yellow card in stoppage time.

There was also plenty for both coaches to consider afterwards. Ouaddou acknowledged that his first-half tactical plan had not worked as intended, taking responsibility for putting his team in difficulty. He said Chiefs had the opportunities to make the game safe before half-time, but Pirates took control after the break.

Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz was left to reflect on those missed chances. He argued that his side should have been two or three goals ahead at the interval, while also questioning the officials’ decisions around Pirates’ opening goal. 

Mind you, those were his assessments, rather than established findings about the incidents.

The victory extended Pirates’ league winning run to seven matches. They briefly moved to the top of the Betway Premiership, but Mamelodi Sundowns reclaimed first place after beating Durban City 4-1 later that evening. 

Pirates now sit second, one point behind Sundowns with a game in hand, while Chiefs are fifth after a fourth successive league match without a win.