Sebelebele strike earns Pirates Soweto derby draw

By Razeen Gutta

Orlando Pirates rallied their troops to secure a 1-1 draw with Kaizer Chiefs in the 185th Soweto derby at FNB Stadium on Sunday, keeping them at the top of the PSL table.

Chiefs began brightly but the Buccaneers carved out the clearer first-half openings.

Brandon Petersen was outstanding in goal, racing off his line to deny Yanela Mbuthuma in the 22nd minute.

He also produced a superb stop from Kamogelo Sebelebele just before half-time to keep it goalless with the man of the match chasing down his 14th league clean sheet of the season.

Amakhosi took charge after the restart and went ahead in the 63rd minute. Wandile Duba’s surging run ended with a selfless square pass for Pule Mmodi, who finished calmly for his first Soweto derby goal.

Pirates responded by piling on pressure and levelled with 15 minutes to play. Petersen parried low, but Sebelebele reacted first to bury the rebound for his fifth goal of the campaign.

The point keeps the Buccaneers a point ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns, who have a games in hand. Masandawana’s draw at Richards Bay later in the day stopped them from claiming first place just yet.

Pirates next travel to Stellenbosch FC on 5 May. Chiefs stay third and next face Siwelele FC away on Wednesday as they chase Caf competition qualification.

Pictured above: Soweto derby stalemate

Source: @dstvza