“This one is on Da Cruz”: Reactions as Pirates claim Soweto Derby against Chiefs

Orlando Pirates are leading the PSL table after winning the Soweto Derby on 31 October.

It was a frustrating outing on many accounts for the Buccaneers and Kaizer Chiefs alike.

Here’s what fans had to say before the final whistle at the FNB Stadium on Saturday.

What happened during the game?

Yanela Mbuthuma scored in the 24th minute to put Pirates ahead.

Buccaneers’ goalkeeper Sipho Chaine then fumbled a block to concede only his second goal of the PSL season.

Pule Mmodi tapped in off the unfortunate rebound to equalise.

Pirates and Chiefs went into the halftime break level 1-1.

Tshepang Moremi put the Sea Robbers back in the lead with a 55th-minute goal.

The score remained 2-1 for the rest of the clash.

Chiefs’ Inaco Miguel was red-carded late in the game after fouling Gamphani Lungu.

He was sent off with a second yellow card as his team sought another equaliser.

☠️ FT | @orlandopirates 2 – 1 @KaizerChiefs

🥅 Mbuthuma 24', Moremi 55'

⚫⚪🔴⭐#MatchDay#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/ygemsoQzoq

— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates)

October 31, 2026

Fans react to Soweto Derby

Some fan reactions hinted at biased officiating, while others criticised the coaching and players on both sides.

@chestermayifo was in raptures after Chiefs equalised:

“Da Cruz, I wasn’t familiar with your game. You’re beauty 😭😭😭🔥🔥🔥”

@Lesego72868480 was confident in the first half:

“This what we want play without fear do not limit our players with skop en donor tactics win or lose today we must continue playing this way this how you build a strong foundation.”

@KoketsoMmekoa felt impressed in the first 45:

“So far so good. The ref drank us this first half. Offside goal and second yellow not given. Two massive decisions went against us.”

@HluvukoRisipro wanted changes from Pirates in the second half:

“Honestly your giving chiefs hope that they can beat us why holding the ball for too long.”

@ZiphoZiphour cricitised the Buccaneers’ tactics later in the game:

“You’re playing nonsense 😡😡😡 what’s wrong with our players?? Back passes and short passes??”

@KB_Ramasimong felt Pirates had failed to fire:

“This is the worst l have seen Orlando Pirates play in a derby for a while and this is the best Chiefs has played in a derby for a while, probably since that Nedbank Cup final derby.”

@gala_tweets slammed the officiating:

“2 offside goals? Moremi came from offside position. Selepe still getting ref protection?”

45 + 4’| #OP 1 : 1 #KC

Half-time score: (Mbuthuma 24’) Orlando Pirates 1 : 1 Kaizer Chiefs (Mmodi 30’)#Amakhosi4Life #LoveAndPeace #BetwayPrem #SowetoDerby pic.twitter.com/tig7WJz9Sq

— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs)

October 31, 2026

Mamelodi Sundowns could return to #1 on the PSL table against Durban City tonight.

The match kicks off at 20:15 at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg, according to the Sundowns website.

Chiefs are still holding on to fifth on the log, but are losing ground to AmaZulu and Milford.

CAN ORLANDO PIRATES STAY AT THE TOP OF THE PSL TABLE?

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