Maart’s memorable magic strike from halfway gives Chiefs Soweto Derby win past Pirates

Three years, a global pandemic, a war in Eastern Europe and 973 long days: that’s how long the fans had to wait to attend a Soweto derby between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs.

They had to wait for another 73 minutes past kick-off to witness one of the best goals of this storied South African rivalry, when Yusuf Maart scored from comfortably inside his own half.

Amakhosi, who won the previous Soweto derby that allowed fans inside FNB Stadium by the same score line on 29 February 2020, ripped the form book into pieces to defeat the Sea Robbers 1-0 in an entrancing clash on Saturday afternoon.

After humiliating DStv Premiership holder Mamelodi Sundowns 3-0 to make the MTN8 final, Pirates came into the clash as hot favourites, while Chiefs were licking their wounds after being ousted from the first domestic cup by AmaZulu.

The Buccaneers also started with the swagger of a team that knew they were on some sort of a roll.

AS IT HAPPENED | Orlando Pirates vs Kaizer Chiefs

Four minutes in, Kermit Erasmus slipped Monnapule Saleng through early but Chiefs goalkeeper Brendon Petersen was required to work to keep the in-form winger from rippling the net.

It was all Pirates in the opening 10 minutes as they looked far more threatening. Chiefs could hardly break out of their own half.

Fullback Thabiso Monyane had a run from right back into the box that needed Njabulo Blom’s intervention.

From an Olisa Ndah knock-down, Innocent Maela also had a poke at goal from a corner without venom that Petersen gobbled up easily.

Chiefs’ first sighter came from Keagan Dolly, whose deflected strike from outside the box Siyabonga Mpontshane palmed clear.

Still, it was like a sparring match, not a heavyweight championship bout.

About 25 minutes in, Bucs