Avatar photo

By Tshepo Ntsoelengoe

Football Journalist


Just what we needed ahead of Soweto derby, says Pirates’ Dlamini

Pirates and Chiefs will face off in what will be the 175th Soweto Derby meeting across all competitions.


Orlando Pirates’ win over Sekhukhune United in a DStv Premiership encounter came at the right time, with a daunting clash against rivals Kaizer Chiefs coming up next, says striker Kabelo Dlamini.

READ ALSO: Pirates edge Sekhukhune to end winless run in the league

The Buccaneers fought their way back into the game after Sekhukhune had taken the lead through Brandon Parusnath in the first half, only for the Buccaneers to respond strongly in the second half with a goal from Dlamini and a Linda Mntambo penalty to win the tie 2-1.

The victory brought a sigh of relief for Bucs, with the side having gone four games without registering a win in the league.

It’s worth noting, however, that Pirates’ were once again not convincing, with a lot of misfiring in front of goals, especially in the first half but some positive play and a number of changes in the second stanza saw some good performance from the Pirates players as they looked eager to turn things in their favour.

“It was a difficult game, we tried our best and we pushed really hard. In the first half, we tried and tried (to score), but we missed our chances and they scored with the one chance they got. In the second half, the coach put me and Terrence Dzvukamanja in and told us to go out there and shoot and express ourselves when we get a chance,” said goal-poacher Kabelo Dlamini.

“We have been playing well, it’s just that we have not been able to get the results that we want. Getting this win is important because next we are playing the Soweto derby, so at least we will go in with a positive mindset.”

The win against Babina Noko sees Pirates in sixth place on the league standings with 14 points after nine games, level with Sekhukhune in the number of points and games placed, but the club from Limpopo are sitting in fifth spot on the log due to a better goal-difference.

A much needed win for Bucs going into an exciting meeting with a hot and cold Chiefs at the FNB Stadium on Saturday. 

Access premium news and stories

Access to the top content, vouchers and other member only benefits