Orlando Pirates rise to claim vital win over Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto Derby to send a strong warning ahead of the Nedbank Cup final

Orlando Pirates came from a goal down to defeat a 10-man Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 on Saturday afternoon at the FNB Stadium to complete a Premier Soccer League double over their rivals in the Soweto Derby.

The hosts started the game as a more settled side, and it paid dividends after two minutes as Dillan Solomons set up Glody Lilepo, who needed a single shot to give his team a deserved lead.

Against the run of play, Bucs scored in the 23rd minute. A swift counterattack ended with the ball being played wide to Mohau Nkota who set up Evidence Makgopa with a wicked low cross that needed just a touch to get past Bruce Bvuma.

The Buccaneers got their second of the match in the 68th minute when ball-watching by defenders allowed Deon Hotto into the six-yard area, with Relebohile Mofokeng eventually pouncing on the loose ball to score his fifth PSL goal this season.

Bradley Cross was sent off during the stoppages for a second bookable offense, but the damage had already been done.

Pirates are now on 49 points, nine less than leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who will play Cape Town City later on Saturday.

Evidence Makgopa caused all types of problems for the Kaizer Chiefs defenders the whole afternoon.

A goal was a reward for his exploits and willingness to run the entire game, until his sub came late into the match.

It is not working for coach Nasreddine Nabi in the Premier Soccer League, where his team has now lost 12 games out of the 26 they have played.

This is the seventh league match without a win in the league for the Glamour Boys, who remained ninth in the standings.

To make it worse, it is back-to-back Soweto Derby defeats for the Tunisian.

The big one will be on Saturday at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.

While Orlando Pirates will be aiming to win their third consecutive Nedbank Cup title, Chiefs will be hoping to end their decade-long trophy drought.

It explains why both sets of fans are anticipating seeing their team get their hands on the crown.

Before focusing on the final, Bucs will take on Golden Arrows in a league on Tuesday.