Orlando Pirates secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto Derby, with a last-minute penalty sealing the win and coach Jose Riveiro praising his team’s well-deserved triumph.

Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro was full of praise for his team after they secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto Derby on Saturday at FNB Stadium.

The match, which was fiercely contested, appeared to be heading towards a goalless draw until the very last moments, when Pirates were awarded a controversial penalty in stoppage time.

Patrick Maswanganyi, stepping up to take the spot-kick, kept his cool and executed a cheeky ‘panenka’ finish to break the deadlock, giving the Buccaneers all three points.

Despite the drama of the late penalty, Riveiro firmly believed that his side deserved the win. “I think it’s three points well deserved,” said Riveiro after the match.

“We had clear chances, especially in the second half.” The game was an intense affair, with both teams struggling to find the back of the net

. Pirates had a slight edge in possession, holding 52% of the ball, but they were far more dangerous going forward, registering 12 shots compared to Chiefs’ eight.

Riveiro also acknowledged the difficulty of the match, stating that derbies are typically tight and not always filled with beautiful football. He noted that while they had enjoyed a more thrilling encounter in a previous derby, this one was marked by tight, tactical play.

“It’s not usual to see these kinds of games,” he admitted, before adding, “Today was more tight, and I think that I’m fair if I say that my team deserved the three points.” While Pirates were considered heavy favorites, Riveiro did not downplay the challenge that Kaizer Chiefs posed.

He spoke highly of their performance, emphasizing that Chiefs are a formidable team despite what some might say.

“Chiefs is a good team. No matter what people say about them, they are a good team,” said Riveiro. “It’s difficult to play against them.”

He also commented on how the match unfolded, noting that Pirates struggled in the early stages of the second half but gradually found their rhythm.

“I think we managed to be the most dangerous team,” he added. “We created the most clear chances and we had their goalkeeper in trouble.”

The victory was a crucial one for Orlando Pirates as they continue to chase their first league title in over a decade. The win keeps them in contention at the top of the league table, while Kaizer Chiefs will be left to reflect on the painful defeat.

Riveiro’s side will look to build on this success as they prepare for their next fixtures, while Chiefs will need to regroup after a performance that, while admirable, ultimately fell short in the dying moments of the game.

The dramatic penalty was a bitter blow for Chiefs, who had fought valiantly throughout the match. The late goal left their fans devastated, but the result also served as a reminder of the cruel and unpredictable nature of football.

Despite the frustration of the defeat, Chiefs showed that they can compete with one of the league’s strongest teams, and they will surely look to bounce back in their upcoming matches.

For Orlando Pirates, the win was a testament to their resilience and determination. The team demonstrated their ability to weather the storm and come out on top when it mattered most.

Coach Riveiro’s satisfaction with the performance and the result was clear, as he praised his players for their effort and commitment throughout the match. The Soweto Derby always brings high drama, and this latest installment was no different.

As Pirates celebrated their hard-earned victory, Kaizer Chiefs were left to lament the missed opportunity, knowing they had been just moments away from a hard-earned draw.

However, the result left Pirates’ coach Riveiro feeling confident in his team’s ability to continue their pursuit of the league title, as they aim to maintain their momentum in the coming weeks.

The win also showed the character of Riveiro’s side, who refused to be discouraged by a tight and tense match, instead finding a way to claim the full three points at the very end.

The derby may have been a tactical battle, but in the end, it was the Pirates who emerged victorious, thanks to a moment of brilliance from Maswanganyi and a well-deserved win for the team as a whole.