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Sizzling Saleng brace, Lebitso's thunderbolt: Pirates secure Soweto derby league double over Chiefs

Sizzling Saleng brace, Lebitso's thunderbolt: Pirates secure Soweto derby league double over Chiefs
Monnapule Saleng of Orlando Pirates celebrates his goal with teammates during the DStv Premiership match between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on March 09, 2024, in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Monnapule Saleng of Orlando Pirates celebrates his goal with teammates during the DStv Premiership match between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on March 09, 2024, in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images
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09 March 18:33

On the ground at Soccer City, News24 Sports Senior Football Writer Njabulo Ngidi's account of the day's Soweto derby happenings is a must-read for sure.

Are you not entertained?: Soweto giants' dazzling derby spoiled by angry Chiefs supporters 

"Angry Kaizer Chiefs' supporters spoiled what was a great advert for South African football by throwing missiles onto the pitch after their team lost 3-2, in an entertaining Soweto derby at FNB Stadium against their arch-rivals Orlando Pirates. Chiefs' players were pelted with missiles as they left the pitch, after giving it their all in their best performance this sea 

CLICK HERE TO READ FULL STORY!

09 March 17:51

Orlando Pirates came from behind twice to earn a 3-2 DStv Premiership victory over rivals Kaizer Chiefs in what can be considered a Soweto Derby classic at a sold-out FNB Stadium on Saturday.

Chiefs surged ahead early in the match, with Ashley du Preez breaking the deadlock in the fifth minute, exploiting a defensive lapse to beat Sipho Chaine.

Monnapule Saleng swiftly equalized after Yusuf Maart's reckless challenge, injecting intensity into both teams' play.

The remainder of the half was a thrilling back-and-forth, with both sides' speed causing problems for the defences.

Just before halftime, Du Preez capitalized on another defensive error to restore Chiefs' lead, much to the disappointment of the home fans.

The second half saw Pirates dominate the early stages, culminating in Thabiso Lebitso's stunning long-range equalizer, rattling the crossbar before finding the net.

The drama continued as Saleng put Pirates ahead for the first time in the game in the 68th minute, securing victory with a clever finish past Bruce Bvuma.

09 March 17:45

FULL-TIME: Orlando Pirates 3-2 Kaizer Chiefs

09 March 17:21

70' Orlando Pirates 3-2 Kaizer Chiefs

09 March 17:20

Maswanganyi with a teasing chip over the Chiefs defence in the final third as Saleng chases down with intent. Bvuma leaves his goalline and Saleng caresses the ball over the goalkeeper to complete his brace.

What a goal. What a match. 

It has been a derby for the ages!

09 March 17:17

68' GOAL! GOAL! GOAL!

09 March 17:12

His first start for the Buccaneers and it is a goal that Lebitso will never forget. Couldn't have hit it any sweeter!

09 March 17:10

The crowd has gone absolutely beserk! 

Orlando Pirates find the equalizer with a spectacular goal from Thabiso Lebitso, who receives the ball with plenty of space just outside the box from Hotto before unleashing a powerful shot into the net.

09 March 17:07

57' GOAL! GOAL! GOAL!

09 March 16:57

45' No changes from Jose Riveiro and Cavin Johnson as the second half is now underway ...

09 March 16:34

HALF-TIME: Orlando Pirates 1-2 Kaizer Chiefs

09 March 16:34

Chiefs click and shift into 5th gear. Maart dispatches the ball from a black shirt to trigger a counterattack that eventually finds Mmodi, who lays it off to Du Preez without hesitation.

The former Stellenbosch striker makes no mistake after his first touch as he thumps it into the back of the net.

That was a quick transition!

09 March 16:31

43' GOAL! GOAL! GOAL!

09 March 16:14

27' Score: Orlando Pirates 1-1 Kaizer Chiefs

09 March 16:14

Monnapule Saleng take a bow. That was some fantastic counter-pressing as the ball was easily dispatched from Chiefs before Mabasa beautifully held up the ball to tee it off back to Saleng, who finishes the move off with a stunning low strike as a late-diving Bvuma could not save it.

09 March 16:11

24' GOAL! GOAL! GOAL!

09 March 16:01

13' And as expected, this always seemed like a fixture that would have that extra bit of fire and flare as Mofokeng has continued to pull the strings and make Chiefs defenders look silly as Pirates seek an equaliser. The crowd is loving it!

09 March 15:54

And Amakhosi are ahead! Ashley Du Preez uses his pace, out-running a sleeping Buccaneers defence, with Chaine having no chance to stop the powerful strike from the Cape Town-born forward.

09 March 15:53

6' GOAL! GOAL! GOAL!

09 March 15:47

1' And finally, the Soweto derby is now underway courtesy of Amakhosi's Mdantsane after what has now been a 17-minute delay. 

09 March 15:40

On the other hand, Kaizer Chiefs returned to winning ways with a 1-0 victory over Golden Arrows midweek, courtesy of Wandile Duba's early goal.

This win was a relief for the Amakhosi, who faced criticism from fans after three consecutive goalless draws since the start of the year, including a disappointing exit from the Nedbank Cup against Milford FC.

Chiefs are placed sixth on the Premiership table, with 29 points from 19 matches.

09 March 15:40

Orlando Pirates missed an opportunity to climb to second place in the standings after being held to a 1-1 draw at home by Cape Town Spurs midweek.

Despite taking an early lead through Relebohile Mofokeng, the Buccaneers were unable to secure the win as Gabriel Michael equalized for the Urban Warriors in the second half.

The draw extended Pirates' disappointing run in the league, with just one win in their last five matches.

Currently sitting fifth on the Premiership table, they have amassed 30 points from 19 matches.

09 March 14:16

09 March 14:15

The team sheets are in...
The team sheets are in...

09 March 14:15

The Ndlovus come from Mpumalanga. They are positive that Amakhosi will win 2-0. (Njabulo Ngidi/News24 Sport)
The Ndlovus come from Mpumalanga. They are positive that Amakhosi will win 2-0.&nbsp;<em>(Njabulo Ngidi/News24 Sport)</em>

09 March 13:46

One of the unique elements about the Soweto derby is that rival fans sit together. The foundations of this derby were violent and bloody, but it has become peaceful and was even used to help bring peace in KZN during the political violence of the late 90s.
One of the unique elements about the Soweto derby is that rival fans sit together. The foundations of this derby were violent and bloody, but it has become peaceful and was even used to help bring peace in KZN during the political violence of the late 90s.

09 March 13:27

“Umthetho awuvumi!” There is a strong security presence to ensure that fans are not only safe but their entrance is smooth with more than 90 000 people expected at this match (Njabulo Ngidi/News24 Sport)
“Umthetho awuvumi!” There is a strong security presence to ensure that fans are not only safe but their entrance is smooth with more than 90 000 people expected at this match <em>(Njabulo Ngidi/News24 Sport)</em>

09 March 13:22

Larizo Catt is a DJ, producer and graphic designer. He is one of many entertainment acts put together for this match in an effort to get fans to come early.

He is a Pirates supporter who is confident they will win, and is enjoying being able to mix his two loves - music and football: "I just love music with a passion. I love the fact that music and amapiano are now being taken seriously. It means I am able to uplift people with my gift and it's an honour being part of the entertainment of such a big game." (Njabulo Ngidi/News24 Sport)

<p>Larizo Catt is a DJ, producer and graphic designer. He is one of many entertainment acts put together for this match in an effort to get fans to come early. </p><p>He is a Pirates supporter who is confident they will win, and is enjoying being able to mix his two loves - music and football: "I just love music with a passion. I love the fact that music and amapiano are now being taken seriously. It means I am able to uplift people with my gift and it's an honour being part of the entertainment of such a big game."&nbsp;<em>(Njabulo Ngidi/News24 Sport)</em></p>

09 March 13:21

Fans are trickling in for the 180th Soweto derby between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates which is a sold-out affair. (Njabulo Ngidi/News24 Sport)
Fans are trickling in for the 180th Soweto derby between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates which is a sold-out affair. <em><strong>(Njabulo Ngidi/News24 Sport)</strong></em>

09 March 13:07

During that campaign, Pirates emerged victorious with a 2-0 away win in November 2008 and a 2-1 home win in May 2009, with goals from Gilbert Mushangazhike, Lucas Thwala, and Katlego Mashego.

09 March 13:07

A win for the Buccaneers in this fixture would mark their first league "double" over their rivals since the 2008/09 season.  

09 March 13:07

Their previous encounter this season, in November 2023, saw Pirates clinch a 1-0 victory courtesy of Evidence Makgopa's 20th-minute goal. This outcome halted Chiefs' streak of five consecutive league wins in their rivalry. 

09 March 13:07

Amakhosi have secured 31 victories compared to the Buccaneers' 17, with 28 matches ending in draws. 

09 March 13:06

In their head-to-head history, Pirates and Chiefs have squared off in 76 league matches since 1985. 

09 March 13:06

Orlando Pirates will seek to achieve a rare league "double" over their Soweto derby rivals, Kaizer Chiefs, for the first time since the 2008/09 season when the two teams clash in a highly anticipated DStv Premiership encounter at the FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

09 March 13:06

WELCOME!

LIVE scoring and commentary of the DStv Premiership Soweto Derby clash between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium.

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0'
NOTE: Kickoff has be moved to 3.45pm SAST due to delays with the crowd getting into the stadium.
0'
Kaizer Chiefs starting XI: Bvuma, Hlanti, Msimango, Kwinika, Frosler, Maart, Castillo, Mdantsane, Mmodi, Saile, Du Preez. Subs: Petersen, Mashiane, Nj. Ngcobo, Solomons, Mthethwa, Nk. Ngcobo, Gonzalez, Duba, Vilakazi.
0'
Orlando Pirates starting XI: Chaine, Lebitso, Xoki, Ndah, Hotto, Makhaula, Timm, Saleng, Mofokeng, Maswanganyi, Mabasa. Subs: Ofori, Mbatha, Marou, Kimvuidi, Maela, Kapinga, Dlamini, Monyane, Sibisi.
0'
Pirates won 1-0 in the reverse fixture through a goal by Bafana Bafana striker Evidence Makgopa. Bucs have not done the league double over Chiefs since the 2008-09 season, a 15-year wait!
0'
Chiefs are unbeaten in seven league matches and their last eight fixtures in all competitions have seen just one goal leaked. They drew 0-0 vs Moroka Swallows last weekend with ten men before a 1-0 home win over Golden Arrows in midweek.
0'
Pirates are not at their best right now with just two wins in six matches. They drew 1-1 at home to bottom-placed Cape Town Spurs in midweek as coach Jose Riveiro called it their worst performance under his stewardship.
0'
Hello and welcome to live coverage of the Soweto Derby as Orlando Pirates face Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium. Kickoff is at 3.30pm SAST.
1'
KICKOFF! Referee Jelly Chavani blows his whistle and we underway in the Soweto derby. It's a sold out 95,000 strong crowd.
2'
WIDE! Bvuma goes long for Chiefs to Saile. He cuts across the pitch and finds Mmodi to shoot... but he puts the effort wide of the near post.
3'
We have a few players missing today. Evidence Makgopa is absent up front for Pirates, Edmilson Dove is suspended for Chiefs and Keagan Dolly and Zakhele Lepasa are not even in the respective squads today.
6'
GOAL, KAIZER CHIEFS, DU PREEZ, 0-1! A fast start from Amakhosi is rewarded with a goal. Mmodi turns from a Chiefs throw-in and plays a forward pass. Mdantsane dummies and allows Du Preez to burst behind Lebitso and rifle an effort high into the roof of the net past Chaine with his left foot. Orlando Pirates 0-1 Kaizer Chiefs.
8'
Close! Mofokeng nearly runs onto a backheel by Mabasa for Pirates but Frosler makes an excellent interception. His return at right back for Amakhosi could be key today.
11'
CHANCE! Pirates rob Chiefs and counter. Mofokeng cuts inside and plays a brilliant backheel for Maswanganyi's run. He gets to the ball first but goalkeeper Bvuma smothers the effort well for Amakhosi.
12'
Foul: Maart catches Saleng with a truly horrific, leg-breaking tackle. Saleng is getting treatment while we wait for the referee's verdict on whether it's a yellow or a deserved red card.
13'
Yellow card, Kaizer Chiefs: Maart is only shown a yellow. If there was VAR in the DSTV Premiership, he would 100% have been red-carded.
15'
Penalty shout! Pirates want a penalty as Hotto runs onto a delightful Maswanganyi pass. It may have brushed the arm of Frosler but that's never a penalty.
17'
It's Pirates with all of the pressure. A corner ping pongs around the box and Msimango knocks Mabasa in an aerial duel. That's a decent penalty shout actually.
20'
Chiefs are finally having a bit of the ball now having absorbed about 15 minutes of Pirates pressure.
22'
Hotto is flagged offside from a good run. That's the wrong call as Kwinika was playing him onside.
23'
Du Preez wins a corner for Chiefs as Ndah clears his cross. Mdantsane delivers the corner but Castillo can't make contact despite his ability in the air.
24'
GOAL, ORLANDO PIRATES, SALENG, 1-1! Maart gives the ball away to Maswanganyi. He finds the feet of Mabasa, who sets it back for Saleng to drive home a shot from 20 yards. That's the Saleng we saw last season! He's playing with Monnapule Money today. Orlando Pirates 1-1 Kaizer Chiefs.
27'
A clash of heads between Mabasa and Kwinika now with the former coming off worst. The striker was on loan at Moroka Swallows until January and is certainly putting himself about this afternoon for Bucs.
30'
Saleng delivers a cross from the left for Pirates but Mabasa has to settle for a throw-in on the far side. Then Timm wins a corner from the backheel of Maswanganyi.
31'
Maswanganyi delivers the Pirates corner from the right. Bvuma goes for it and gets a touch but he is down holding his head after a collision with Ndah's sizeable frame.
33'
Bvuma is okay to continue. Chiefs bring everyone back to defend a Mofokeng delivery from the corner and they get it clear effectively.
34'
Pirates are still totally dominant here but a loose Saleng pass gives Chiefs a bit of respite.
35'
Saile goes on a dribble for Chiefs trying to work some space against Hotto. He eventually delivers a cross but it sails out for a goalkick.
36'
Lebitso lashes a cross out of play for Pirates on the right. Mofokeng is down holding his face and replays show Kwinika caught him with a stray hand.
37'
Chiefs really don't look good here. A punt for Du Preez sees the forward go down too easily. Pirates counter and Mabasa is stopped in the box by Castillo. That's another great shout for a penalty to Pirates but again, nothing is given.
39'
Mabasa needs some treatment again from that collision but he's back on the park after referee Jelly Chavani gives him a telling-off. That was a bit uncalled for as he was arguably fouled.
41'
Chiefs are keeping the ball in the left corner now, trying to gain some territory. They've been bad so far, often defending with just five or six players with the front four not coming back. They've also somehow avoid a red card and two penalties.
42'
Wide! Saile with an effort off target for Chiefs. Both teams have had four shots so far in the match.
43'
GOAL, KAIZER CHIEFS, DU PREEZ, 1-2! It's a smash and grab strike, totally against the run of play as Du Preez bags his brace. Maart finds Mdantsane on the counter, he slides a pass for Mmodi, who squares for Du Preez to fire into the roof of the net past Chaine. Orlando Pirates 1-2 Kaizer Chiefs.
45'
HALF TIME. It's been a really exciting match. Chiefs scored in the 6th and 43rd minutes through Du Preez with Pirates pretty much dominating the rest of the half with some lovely football and two good penalty appeals waved away. Neither side looks organised defensively so we may not have seen the end of the scoring. Orlando Pirates 1-2 Kaizer Chiefs.
45'
Added time: two minutes.
45'
CLOSE! Mabasa again links play really well for Pirates and flicks the ball around the corner for Mofokeng's run. Bvuma is alert and comes flying off his line to smother the opportunity. That's great goalkeeping.
46'
KICKOFF! We are underway in the second half.
47'
Pirates have started the second stanza on top but Maswanganyi's cross for Mabasa is way over-cooked.
48'
Kwinika is well placed for Chiefs to clear from Hotto's cross into the area. A goal from Pirates may not be far away.
50'
Yellow card, Kaizer Chiefs: Frosler clatters Hotto and is cautioned. The foul was just outside the area.
52'
Hotto takes the resulting freekick for Pirates but Bvuma claims it well in the air for Chiefs.
54'
From a Pirates freekick, Mabasa and Xoki clash heads and both players are going to need treatment. That wasn't pretty.
56'
Chiefs are camped in their own half now and are absorbing pressure in a low block. They're not really looking to do anything other than clear the ball as far as possible when it comes into their box.
57'
GOAL, ORLANDO PIRATES, LEBITSO, 2-2! A rocket to level matters and that goal has been coming. Hotto cuts the ball back and it makes its way to Lebitso. Castillo turns his back on a shot which rifles into the top corner. Vicious strike. Orlando Pirates 2-2 Kaizer Chiefs.
61'
Nothing has changed since the goal, it's ALL PIRATES. Hotto wins a corner, Maswanganyi delivers from the left and Bvuma claims well.
64'
Triple SUB, Chiefs: Duba, Solomons and Nkosingiphile Ngcobo enter the action. Saile, Frosler and Mdantsane go off.
65'
Yellow card, Kaizer Chiefs: Castillo clatters Maswanganyi to earn a booking.
68'
GOAL, ORLANDO PIRATES, SALENG, 3-2! Chiefs are caught napping again - their defending today has been embarrassingly bad. A quick throw from Bucs allows Maswanganyi to flick a pass for Saleng behind the sleeping Msimango. The winger nudges the ball past Bvuma and Pirates have the lead they deserve. Amakhosi have been horrendous today. Orlando Pirates 3-2 Kaizer Chiefs.
71'
Ndah goes off for treatment and immediately commits a foul as the re-enters the action. Chiefs freekick... it leads to some pressure but no chances. Do Chiefs have enough to come back from behind this evening?
73'
Ndah is down against for Pirates and you suspect his race is run.
74'
Yellow card, Orlando Pirates: Lebitso is booked for timewasting. Bucs are readying two subs, hence the deliberate delay.
76'
SUB, Pirates: Sibisi replaces Ndah at the back.
79'
The game is incredible scruffy now. Pirates have stopped playing and are allowing Chiefs the ball but Amakhosi haven't got a clue of what to do with it.
81'
SUBS, Pirates: Mbatha for Timm and Marou for Mabasa.
83'
Pirates look to have settled for this lead now. They have an organised defensive block with Chiefs having almost all of the possession.
87'
Maswanganyi decides to do some showboating. He then makes a run of about 40 metres to win a throw-in deep into the Chiefs half.
88'
SUBS, Pirates: Monyane for Lebitso and Maela on for Saleng.
89'
SAVE! A deep cross from the left by Chiefs and Castillo meets it with his head. His plants a good effort on target but it's straight at Chaine.
90'
FULL TIME. Pirates win 3-2 and they 100% deserve it. Chiefs were alarmingly bad. Saleng is the hero with two goals as he looks to come back to his best level. It was a very exciting match and Pirates do the league double over Chiefs for the first time in 15 years and just the second time in the PSL era. Well done to Bucs and Jose Riveiro, they schooled Amakhosi at times. Orlando Pirates 3-2 Kaizer Chiefs.
90'
+2' Mofokeng leads a counter for Pirates with Chiefs' players stopping. The young winger goes for goal himself but Bvuma makes a good save.
90'
+2' Chiefs win a corner. It goes to the near post, a poor delivery, and leads to nothing.
90'
Added time: 4 minutes
90'
+1' Yellow card, Pirates: Makhaula is cautioned for stopping a counter attack.
90'
SUBS, Chiefs: Gonzalez and Vilakazi enter the field for the final seconds in place of Mmodi and Castillo.
Orlando Pirates
Orlando Pirates
Kaizer Chiefs
Kaizer Chiefs
3
Goal Scorers
2
24' Saleng Mon...
58' Lebitso Th...
68' Saleng Mon...
6' Du Preez As...
44' Du Preez A...
0
Yellow Cards
0
0
Red Cards
0
11
Squad
11
Timm Miguel...
Hotto Kaven...
Saleng Monn...
Makhaula Ma...
Mabasa Tshe...
Chaine Sipho
Xoki Tapelo
Maswanganyi...
Lebitso Tha...
Mofokeng Re...
Ndah Olisa ...
4
7
14
16
19
24
27
28
37
38
49
3
4
8
9
13
17
21
23
25
39
44
Mdantsane M...
Kwinika Alt...
Maart Moega...
Du Preez As...
Mmodi Pule ...
Castillo Ga...
Saile Basom...
Hlanti Sfis...
Msimango Sp...
Frosler Reeve
Bvuma Bruce...
9
Reserves
9
Maela Sakhi...
Sibisi Nkos...
Ofori Antwi...
Dlamini Kabelo
Kapinga Les...
Monyane Tha...
Mbatha Thal...
Kimvuidi Ka...
Marou Souaibou
23
5
31
18
21
2
41
25
32
1
18
19
12
5
27
36
14
28
Petersen Br...
Solomons Di...
Mashiane Happy
Ngcobo Nkos...
Mthethwa Si...
Ngcobo Njabulo
Duba Wandile
González Pa...
Vilakazi Mf...