Orlando Pirates midfielder Thapelo Mokobodi has opened up on his Man of the Match display in the Soweto Derby after the Buccaneers beat Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 at the weekend.

The win moved Pirates to 25 points from nine matches in the Betway Premiership. They now sit second on the log, one point behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns. Mokobodi played a key role in the victory, driving the attack and setting up the winning goal.

Yanela Mbuthuma gave Pirates the lead in the 24th minute. Pule Mmodi equalised for Chiefs six minutes later. Tshepang Moremi restored the lead for the home side in the 55th minute after a precise assist from Mokobodi. The goal proved decisive as Pirates held on for a valuable three points in one of South African football’s biggest fixtures.

Speaking after the match, Mokobodi explained how he decided to pass instead of shooting when the chance arrived. “Look, it’s something the coach has been telling us: when your teammate is in a better position, just give him a gift, you know, a blessing so that he can score,” he said. “If he scores, we all win together, so I don’t need to be selfish; I just have to pass it.”

The message came directly from head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou. The coach has repeatedly told his players to put the team first and look for the better option rather than force a shot themselves. Mokobodi followed that advice and it paid off with the assist that secured the derby points.

His overall performance stood out enough for him to be named Man of the Match. He controlled the tempo in midfield, linked play between defence and attack, and created several openings before the decisive pass to Moremi. Supporters and analysts praised his maturity in a high-pressure game against arch-rivals.

The result gives Pirates momentum as they chase a place at the top of the table. With the season still early, every point in the Premiership matters, especially against strong sides such as Chiefs. Mokobodi’s willingness to put the team first showed the kind of attitude Ouaddou wants from the squad going forward.

For the player himself, the derby win and personal award mark a positive step. He has shown he can deliver in big matches while sticking to the coach’s instructions. Pirates will hope more of the same from Mokobodi and his teammates as the league campaign continues.

Source: https://x.com/KickOffMagazine/status/2117182612833808636