Betway Premiership: Orlando Pirates Thrash Kaizer Chiefs to Move Ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns
- Orlando Pirates have taken charge of the first Soweto Derby of the season as they defeated Kaizer Chiefs at the FNB Stadium
- The Sea Robbers dominated the match from start to finish and claimed deserving three points to go top of the Betway Premiership table
- The Glamour Boys' poor run in the league continued as they are now without a win in their last two home games in the competition
Orlando Pirates got one over their rivals Kaizer Chiefs in the first Soweto Derby in the Betway Premiership this season as they defeated Amakhosi 3-0 at the FNB Stadium on Saturday, February 28, 2026.
Source: Twitter
South African internationals Tshepang Moremi, summer signing Oswin Appollis, and Evidence Makgopa all found the back of the net as the Buccaneers claimed all three points in the first Soweto Derby this season.
The win put Pirates on top of the league table, three points ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns, who are set to face Sekhukhune United on Sunday, March 1 2026, at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
Pirates thrash Kaizer Chiefs in Soweto Derby
There was an unexpected change in the Kaizer Chiefs line-up, with goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma handed his first start of the campaign as Brandon Petersen was omitted from the matchday squad. On the other side, Orlando Pirates reinstated Thalente Mbatha to the starting XI, while Patrick Masawanganyi dropped out.
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Pirates made an ideal start to the encounter after Tshepang Moremi tried his luck from long range. His effort took a heavy deflection off Flavio Da Silva, wrong-footing Bvuma and looping into the net, leaving the Chiefs shot-stopper helpless.
Chiefs battled to establish any rhythm in possession during the opening half. Players such as Glody Lilepo and Pule Mmodi failed to make an impact out wide, while Da Silva found it difficult to impose himself inside the penalty area, resulting in limited attacking threat from the hosts.
As Amakhosi struggled to create clear-cut openings, Pirates extended their advantage in the 38th minute. Oswin Appollis broke free down the left channel inside the box and composed himself before finishing neatly into the far corner, registering his third league goal of the season.
The first half ended with the Sea Robbers dominating and leading 2-0 at the FNB Stadium.
Source: Getty Images
With Kaizer Chiefs wanting to come back into the contest after the restart, Pule Mmodi and Nkosingphili Ngcobo were withdrawn in favour of Thabo Cele and Asanele Velebayi. Even as a heavy downpour swept across the pitch, the hosts’ momentum failed to shift.
Ethan Chislett then made way for Ashley du Preez, while Thalente Mbatha and Yanela Mbuthuma were substituted for Masindi Nemtajela and Evidence Makgopa. Makgopa, returning from injury, was greeted by a rousing ovation from the crowd at the FNB Stadium.
Throughout the encounter, Pirates looked the more threatening side, as the visitors produced a compact and disciplined performance to stifle any Amakhosi’s attacking efforts. It was Makgopa who ultimately extended the advantage in the 78th minute, finishing off a delivery from Moremi to cap a commanding display.
What's next for Kaizer Chiefs?
Kaizer Chiefs will switch focus to their next game against Richards Bay on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, and a win could make them return to third place on the log.
The Glamour Boys are only competing in the Betway Premiership this season after they've been knocked out of all cup competitions.
Chiefs criticised ahead of Soweto derby
Briefly News also reported that Kaizer Chiefs were slammed for making a huge mistake as they prepare to face Orlando Pirates in the first Soweto Derby of the season.
The Glamour Boys have been knocked out of all cup competitions and are only left with the Betway Premiership.
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Source: Briefly News
