Maswanganyi’s panenka secures Pirates Soweto derby victory
Orlando Pirates registered their fourth derby win in a row after a 1-0 win over rivals Kaizer Chiefs via a Patrick Maswanganyi panenka at FNB Stadium on Saturday. Their win also saw the Buccaneers close the gap on Betway Premiership leaders Mamelodi Sundowns to three points.
The fierce rivalry between Pirates and Chiefs kicked off with a flurry of attacking intent as both teams wasted no time asserting their presence.
Pirates, taking possession early on, quickly sought to impose themselves on the game. It was Maswanganyi who created the first opportunity for his side, playing a precise pass to Relebohile Mofokeng, who was brought down in the box, only to see the referee wave play on after a contentious challenge. Despite the early setback, Pirates continued to probe with dangerous intent.
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Chiefs responded swiftly with a golden opportunity. After a defensive error from the Pirates backline, Mmodi found himself in a one-on-one face-off with goalkeeper Sipho Chaine. However, Chaine stood tall, denying Mmodi with a crucial save.
The Bucs kept pushing forward, with Maswanganyi proving to be a constant menace down the left flank. His well-timed crosses aimed for Mabasa and Mofokeng kept the Chiefs defense on their toes, but neither could connect properly to convert the chances. A key moment came when Mduduzi Tshabalala tried to link up with his strike partner Chivaviro, but Chaine’s quick reactions prevented any danger by rushing off his line to snuff out the threat.
On the other side of the pitch, Chiefs’ goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma was forced into action as well. A poor clearance fell to Mbatha, whose long-range shot narrowly missed the target, signalling that neither team was shy about going for goal. Mmodi, attempting to capitalise on a long ball, cut inside from the left before firing at Chaine, but the keeper made a comfortable save. Pirates responded through Mabasa, whose right-footed shot was blocked by Bvuma.
The game continued with both teams attacking relentlessly but lacking the finishing touch to break the deadlock. As Maswanganyi and Mofokeng tried to carve out opportunities for Pirates, and Chivaviro for Chiefs, neither side could find the elusive opener.
The first half ended with both teams tied at 0-0, and Pirates made a tactical adjustment at the start of the second half, bringing on Kabelo Dlamini in place of Mohau Nkota. Chiefs waited an additional five minutes before making their first substitution, with debutant Thabo Cele replacing George Matlou.

CLASSY PANENKA FROM PATRICK MASWANGANYI SECURED ORLANDO PIRATES’ SOWETO DERBY VICTORY
The Sea Robbers had a couple of opportunities in the moments leading up to the hour mark, with both Mabasa and Mofokeng forcing excellent saves from Bvuma. On the other hand, the Glamour Boys threatened in the 76th minute when Ranga Chivaviro turned and fired a shot that narrowly sailed over the corner of the post and crossbar.
As the game seemed headed for a 0-0 draw, deep into injury time, Mofokeng made a determined run into the box, only to be grabbed by Njabulo Blom, causing him to miss his shot wide. Despite the miss, the referee pointed to the penalty spot, sparking debate over the decision.
With the final whistle looming, Patrick Maswanganyi confidently stepped up and coolly converted the penalty with a cheeky ‘Panenka,’ securing a dramatic last-minute win for the Buccaneers in the Soweto Derby.