26 February 2020, by: Thathe Msimango
The Craziest Soweto Derbies in the Last Decade
The clash between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, famously known as the Soweto Derby, it always brings the most vivid memories to the fans. No matter what transpires on matchday, fans get to troll each other after the match.
In the spirit of the derby, let’s turn to look at some of the interesting matches between these two Soweto giants over the last decade.
The game came at the right time as Chiefs were looking for revenge over their arch-rivals after being knocked out of 2010/11 MTN 8 semi-final by the very same opponents. Zimbabwean striker Knowledge Musona proved to be the difference between the two sides after scoring a brace plus an own goal by veteran Daine Klate. However, Pirates managed to score a late consolation goal through Nigerian forward Ezenwa Otorogu.
READ: SOWETO DERBY PLAYER BATTLES Many people were expecting the usual suspect, Knowledge “Smash and Grab” Musona, to show Pirates stars. But Sthembiso Ngcobo turned out to be the hero on the day. Ngcobo scored twice as Amakhosi outclassed their rivals in front of packed FNB Stadium crowd. The former Free Stars scored his first goal in the 11th minute and completed his brace just after the hour mark when he headed a pinpoint cross from left-back Punch Masenamela. Siphiwe Tshabalala scored Chiefs’ third goal to bury the match and hand the Amakhosi the Telkom Knockout Cup title under Vladimir Vermezovic.
READ: TAU BEST CHIEFS & PIRATES XI Benni McCarthy reminded many football fans why he is one of the best strikers that South Africa has ever produced, playing in his first Soweto derby since joining the Buccaneers. The Bafana Bafana all-time top-scorer netted twice while midfielder Andile Jali added another. Amakhosi launched an unlikely comeback with Siphiwe Tshabalala and Lehlohonolo Majoro on the scoresheet but fell short as the match ended 3-2 in favour of Pirates.
READ: 50 YEARS OF KAIZER CHIEFS Luvuyo Memela turned out to be the super-sub on the day as he scored twice. Thembinkosi Lorch opened the scoring before Leonardo Castro levelled the scoreline going to half-time. But mesmerizing Memela ran the show in the second stanza after coming off the bench. Both sides were chasing the league title but neither of them were successful chase as Mamelodi Sundowns were crowned Absa Premiership champions.
READ: RATING PIRATES TRANSFERS Not too many times fans from outside of Johannesburg get to enjoy a piece of the Soweto Derby but fans from KwaZulu-Natal witnessed the Telkom Knockout Quarterfinal clash at Moses Mabhida Stadium. Fortune Makaringe scored to put Pirates in front but things changed when Mthokozisi Dube received his marching orders early in the second half. Leonardo Castro levelled the match to send the match into extra time. Danielle Cardoso netted a penalty in extra time before striker Gabadinho Mhango scored a late equalizer to send the match to penalties which the Amakhosi won 4-2.