Before the Soweto Derby this past weekend, I spent some time with a few people who were not looking forward to it because they thought it would be another cagey affair between the two the sides.
I did not attend the match. Not because I thought it would be a dull encounter, but because of some charity work that I had agreed to doing weeks before the derby was played. And boy, do I regret missing out on this match. I watched it on television and I kept on wishing I could be at the stadium because both the football on the pitch and atmosphere in the stands was fantastic.
For a while the Soweto derby has not really produced the type of action that you can describe as 'classic'. The last time I really enjoyed the derby was when Pirates beat Chiefs 3-2, the day Benni McCarthy netted a brace. That derby still lives in the memory, but the one this past Saturday might just take over.
All the goals that were scored on the day were of good quality and I was generally just impressed with how Pirates fought back to secure three points.
Monnapule Saleng has been struggling to rekindle the form of last season, but his brace on Saturday could just give him the boost he needs.
Patrick Masangwanyi enjoyed himself in the middle of the park and his assist to set Saleng up for the winning goal was just absolutely sublime. He had freedom in the middle of the park and Chiefs did little to stop him from being a threat in their half.
Thabiso Lebitso had a shaky start to the game and should have done better to close down Ashley Du Preez in Amakhosi's first goal, but he bounced back in the second half and scored a blinder of a goal that he will never forget. For someone who was playing in his first Soweto Derby, Lebitso left a lasting impression.
Miguel Timm and Olisa Ndah were impressive for the Buccaneers, playing a key role in the victory.
Chiefs took the lead twice and interim coach Cavin Johnson feels they should have secured three points, but Amakhosi were really not at their best on the day and have some improving to do as they try to finish in one of the CAF spots at the end of the season.
The good thing is that they have time on their hands now to work on problem areas. Chiefs' next match will be away from home on March 30 against Cape Town City.
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