Orlando Pirates vs Kaizer Chiefs
By Sello Masilo
Johannesburg, South Africa – Orlando Pirates claimed a dramatic 2-1 victory over arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs in a Betway Premiership Soweto derby at the FNB Stadium on Saturday, May 3, 2025, completing a league ‘double’ over the Amakhosi this season. The Buccaneers overcame an early deficit to secure three vital points, closing the gap to league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns to nine points and boosting their confidence ahead of a Nedbank Cup final rematch against Chiefs next weekend.
For Kaizer Chiefs, the loss marked their second consecutive defeat and extended their winless run in the league to seven matches, severely denting their hopes of a top-eight finish. The Amakhosi remain in ninth place, level on points with eighth-placed Chippa United but having played two more games.
Match Report: A Game of Twists and Turns
Delayed Kick-Off and a Fiery Start
The highly anticipated clash was delayed by 30 minutes due to the late arrival of fans, but the wait only heightened the tension at the FNB Stadium. Just 120 seconds after kick-off, Kaizer Chiefs set the tone with a stunning opener. Right-back Dillon Solomons intercepted a loose pass high up the pitch and drove forward before squaring the ball to Makabi Lilepo. The Congolese striker, in his first derby start, fired a first-time shot past Pirates’ goalkeeper Sipho Chaine to give Chiefs a 1-0 lead.
Pirates Fight Back
The early goal rocked Orlando Pirates, but they gradually regained their footing. In the 24th minute, midfielder Mohau Nkota delivered a precise pass behind Chiefs’ defence, finding Evidence Makgopa in space. The in-form striker kept his composure and slotted the ball through goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma’s legs to level the score at 1-1.
Pirates nearly took the lead in the 32nd minute when Deon Hotto’s free-kick found centre-back Tapelo Xoki, whose powerful header was brilliantly tipped over the bar by Bvuma. Minutes later, Makgopa had another chance after a slick move, but his shot flashed wide of the post.
Chiefs responded late in the first half, nearly regaining the lead in stoppage time. Yusuf Maart’s dangerous cross deflected off Pirates’ defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi towards his own goal, but Chaine made a sharp save at his near post to ensure the teams went into the break level at 1-1.
Second-Half Tactical Shift and the Decisive Blow
Pirates coach Jose Riveiro made a key adjustment at half-time, replacing left-back Paseka Mako with Kabelo Dlamini and shifting Hotto to defence. Dlamini, deployed in an advanced midfield role, almost scored in the 50th minute, curling a shot just over the bar.
The turning point came in the 69th minute. Hotto and Relebohile Mofokeng combined brilliantly on the left flank, with Hotto’s clever flick releasing the young winger. Mofokeng drove into the box and unleashed a low, left-footed shot through a crowded penalty area, finding the bottom corner to put Pirates ahead 2-1.
Chiefs’ Late Collapse
Trailing, Chiefs pushed for an equaliser, with coach Cavin Johnson introducing Edson Castillo, Ashley du Preez, Tashreeq Morris, and Thabo Cele off the bench. However, their hopes were dashed in injury time when left-back Bradley Cross received a second yellow card for a reckless challenge, reducing Chiefs to 10 men. Pirates created further chances through Nkota and Mofokeng, but Bvuma’s resilience kept the scoreline at 2-1 until the final whistle.
Lineups and Substitutions
• Kaizer Chiefs: B. Bvuma, D. Solomons, S. Kwinika, E. Dove, B. Cross, Y. Maart (E. Castillo 85’), B. Ngcobo (T. Cele 78’), S. Shalalala, M. Lilepo, G. Sirino (A. Du Preez 68’), P. Mmodi (T. Morris 78’).
• Orlando Pirates: S. Chaine, S. Shandu (L. Ndlozi 65’), T. Xoki, M. Mbokazi, P. Mako (K. Dlamini 46’), T. Makhaula, S. Mbatha (K. Selepe 88’), M. Nkota, R. Mofokeng, D. Hotto, E. Makgopa (B. Radiopane 88’).
Goals:
• Kaizer Chiefs: M. Lilepo (2’)
• Orlando Pirates: E. Makgopa (24’), R. Mofokeng (69’)
Key Moments and Player Performances
• Makabi Lilepo’s Opener (2’): A clinical finish from the Chiefs striker set the tone early.
• Evidence Makgopa’s Equaliser (24’): The Pirates forward showcased his composure to level the score.
• Tapelo Xoki’s Near Miss (32’): A header denied by Bvuma’s heroics kept Chiefs in the game.
• Relebohile Mofokeng’s Winner (69’): The young winger’s moment of magic secured the victory.
• Bradley Cross’ Red Card (90+’): A late dismissal ended Chiefs’ comeback hopes.
Standout performers included Mofokeng, whose pace and skill tormented Chiefs, and Makgopa, whose goal and presence upfront were pivotal for Pirates. For Chiefs, Bvuma’s saves kept the scoreline respectable, while Lilepo’s early strike highlighted his potential.
Implications for Both Teams
Orlando Pirates
The victory marked a strong recovery for Pirates after recent defeats to Pyramids FC in the CAF Champions League and Sekhukhune United in the Premiership. With this win, they narrowed the gap to Mamelodi Sundowns, who faced Cape Town City later that evening, to nine points, keeping their title aspirations alive. The result also sets the stage for a confident performance in the Nedbank Cup final against Chiefs on May 10, 2025, at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Kaizer Chiefs
For Chiefs, the loss compounded their woes in a challenging season. Their seven-match winless streak in the league leaves them teetering in ninth place, with a top-eight finish—and MTN8 qualification—slipping out of reach. The upcoming cup final offers a chance for redemption, but coach Cavin Johnson faces mounting pressure to turn the team’s fortunes around.
The Soweto Derby: A Footballing Institution
The Soweto derby, pitting Orlando Pirates against Kaizer Chiefs, is a cornerstone of South African football. Since their first meeting in 1970, the rivalry has grown into one of Africa’s fiercest, drawing massive crowds and igniting passions nationwide. Saturday’s match, attended by a near-capacity crowd at the 94,736-seat FNB Stadium, underscored its enduring appeal.
What’s Next?
• Orlando Pirates: The Buccaneers travel to Durban to face Golden Arrows in the Betway Premiership on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, before their Nedbank Cup final clash with Chiefs.
• Kaizer Chiefs: The Amakhosi must regroup quickly ahead of the cup final, with their league campaign now a salvage operation to secure a top-eight spot.
