Saleng fires Bucs to Soweto Derby comeback win

Changes from either side saw Olisa Ndah, Deon Hotto, Miguel Timm, Monnapule Saleng and Thabiso Lebitso restored by Pirates, while Reeve Frosler, Mduduzi Mdantsane and Ashley Du Preez returned for Chiefs. Du Preez marked a perfect return to the fold when he ran in from the left of the box on six minutes and slammed well in the top corner after beating the offside trap. Pirates didn’t go in any shell but probed the equaliser through a back-heel assist by Patrick Maswanganyi to a run in-behind from Tshegofatso Mabasa, but Bruce Bvuma snuffed out.

The Buccaneers were level midway through the half when Maswanganyi stole possession high up and feed Saleng to cut into the area to find the bottom-corner. Du Preez bagged a brace a minute before halftime after Pule Mmodi played a firsttime pass in his stride and he finished superbly from the shoulder of the box.

Pirates could’ve instantly levelled through Relebohile Mofokeng following a ball through the middle, but Bvuma rushed out and smothered. With the first half entertaining, the resumption went the same pathway as the Buccaneers embarked on numerous forays in search of a response. Derby debutant Lebitso lighted up the venue when he moved high-up to collect a cutback from Hotto and clattered in off the underside of the crossbar. Chiefs showed a trio of changes during the midway point of the half in Wandile Duba, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo and Dillon Solomons and aimed to regain control.

However, they were behind when a quick throwin caught them square before Saleng showed the presence of mind to run in from a tight angle and beat the advancing Bvuma.

Chiefs rallied back and nearly got on level terms with a glancing header in the area by Edson Castillo, but Sipho Chaine parried safely.

Bvuma produced an equally sharp save in added time when he palmed Mofokeng’s curling drive following a counter, as the Buccaneers claimed victory and the bragging rights.

Kickoff*