Jose Riveiro makes history as Orlando Pirates outclass Kaizer Chiefs in Derby warm-up for final
Kaizer Chiefs player Glody Lilepo challenges Mbekezeli Mbokazi of Orlando Pirates during their Betway Premiership clash at the FNB stadium. Picture: Itumeleng English Independent Media
Image: Picture: Itumeleng English Independent Media
The Soweto derby lived up to its lofty billing as Orlando Pirates edged arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs 2–1 in the Betway Premiership at FNB Stadium on Saturday.
That’s why Independent Media's MIHLALI BALEKA, who covered the game, recaps some of the talking points below.
Riveiro equals derby record
Jose Riveiro etched his name into the history books by matching the record of Chiefs’ former coach Stuart Baxter for winning five Soweto derbies in a row in the PSL-era. Riveiro credited his team for a job well done, but admitted he was particularly pleased with himself — especially after being “criticised for being the first Spaniard to lose at FNB” when he arrived in 2022.
Mofokeng delivers again at FNB
Despite being only 20 years of age, Relebohile Mofokeng once again proved that he is Pirates’ main man this season, showing his big-match temperament. His winner against Chiefs meant he has now scored in back-to-back domestic matches at the Calabash, having netted a brace when they beat Mamelodi Sundowns in March.
Bleak future for furious Nabi
Kaizer Chiefs’ coach Nasreddine Nabi was not only disappointed with the defeat to their bitter rivals, but was also visibly upset during his post-match press conference. He clashed with a journalist who asked why he still believes he is the right man for the job, despite losing consecutive derbies and facing the risk of missing out on the top eight.
Another DRC player nearly pounces
Chiefs started brightly at the Calabash, with Makabi Lilepo scoring within three minutes, finishing off Dillan Solomons’ cut-back. That seemed a good omen, as he became the third DRC-born player – after Fiston Mayele and Trésor Yamba — to score against Pirates in successive games. But it wasn’t to be.
A perfect curtain-raiser for the final
Pirates may have claimed victory in Saturday’s derby, but Amakhosi also gave a good account of themselves on the day. As such, the clash whetted the appetite of both sets of fans — and neutrals — ahead of the next Soweto derby in the Nedbank Cup final on Saturday.