Pirates’ derby win headlines a busy Saturday

Thabiso Monyane of Orlando Pirates celebrates goal during the DStv Premiership 2023/24 match between Orlando Pirates and Sekhukhune United FC at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on the 07 November 2023 © Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix

by Staff Reporter

Saturday Mar 09, 2024. 21:34

A busy Saturday in South Africa’s DStv Premiership was headlined by a come-from-behind 3-2 triumph for Orlando Pirates over Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto derby.

A cracking afternoon match at FNB Stadium saw the Amakhosi claim the lead twice via superb finishes from Ashley du Preez (6’ & 43’), but Monnapule Saleng (24’) and Thabiso Lebitso (57’) scored outstanding equalisers – the latter’s was a world-class long-range drive – before Saleng netted for a second, decisive time in the 68th minute to secure a famous win for the Buccaneers.

The victory secured a first league ‘double’ for Pirates over Chiefs since 2008-09 and pushed them into second place on the log on 33 points.

They are a full 12 points off the pace of leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who have played three games less and continued their inevitable march to the title with a 2-0 home win over Chippa United in a night match, courtesy of an early strike from Teboho Mokoena and a first goal for newcomer Tashreeq Matthews.

The other night match was played at the King Zwelithini Stadium and saw Richards Bay hold TS Galaxy 0-0 to bring them slightly closer to safety – the Natal Rich Boyz are seven points off 14th place.

Saturday’s early-evening matches saw Sekhukhune United rack up a fourth straight league win, as they crushed Moroka Swallows 4-1 away from home (with goals from Linda Mntambo, Tresor Yamba, Thamsanqa Masiya and Jamie Webber); SuperSport United came from a goal down to draw 1-1 at home with AmaZulu (strikes from Lyle Lakay and Victor Letsoalo respectively); and the derby between Stellenbosch FC and Cape Town Spurs also ended 1-1 after goals from Iqraam Rayners and Asenele Velebayi.

The DStv Premiership continues on Sunday 10 March with Polokwane City v Golden Arrows and Royal AM v Cape Town City.

DStv Premiership results, Saturday 9 March

Orlando Pirates 3-2 Kaizer Chiefs

Stellenbosch FC 1-1 Cape Town Spurs

Moroka Swallows 1-4 Sekhukhune United

SuperSport United 1-1 AmaZulu

Mamelodi Sundowns 2-0 Chippa United

Richards Bay 0-0 TS Galaxy