Pirates signalled their intent from the outset, naming an attacking line-up with Sanele Mbuthuma leading the line.

Meanwhile, Chiefs made a surprise change in goal, starting Bruce Bvuma amid reports that captain Brandon Petersen had picked up an injury during the week.

The Buccaneers began on the front foot, playing with urgency, and their early pressure paid off when Tshepang Moremi opened the scoring in the fifth minute, finishing off a short corner to silence the Amakhosi faithful.

Pirates continued to threaten, stretching Chiefs' defence with pace and movement in the final third. The pressure mounted on the Naturena-based outfit, and Oswin Appollis doubled the advantage in the 39th minute with a composed finish after yet another incisive attack.

The Sea Robbers went into the halftime break firmly in control, having executed their game plan to perfection.

Chiefs emerged with renewed determination in the second half, enjoying more possession and showing greater composure in their build-up play.

Pirates thought they had extended their lead when Thalente Mbatha powered home a stunning header just ten minutes after the restart, only for celebrations to be cut short as the referee ruled the goal offside.

As the game went on, Pirates dropped slightly deeper, absorbing pressure while looking to strike on the counter. Their patience paid off when substitute Evidence Makgopa sealed the result ten minutes before full-time, calmly finishing to put the contest beyond doubt.

The closing stages were played at a frantic pace, with both sides throwing bodies forward in search of goals, but neither team could find the back of the net.

In the end, it was Pirates who emerged victorious in front of a packed Soccer City crowd.

The result not only handed Pirates three crucial points but, more importantly, secured Soweto Derby bragging rights, leaving their supporters celebrating long after the final whistle.

Pirates signalled their intent from the outset, naming an attacking line-up with Sanele Mbuthuma leading the line.

Meanwhile, Chiefs made a surprise change in goal, starting Bruce Bvuma amid reports that captain Brandon Petersen had picked up an injury during the week.

The Buccaneers began on the front foot, playing with urgency, and their early pressure paid off when Tshepang Moremi opened the scoring in the fifth minute, finishing off a short corner to silence the Amakhosi faithful.

Pirates continued to threaten, stretching Chiefs' defence with pace and movement in the final third. The pressure mounted on the Naturena-based outfit, and Oswin Appollis doubled the advantage in the 39th minute with a composed finish after yet another incisive attack.

The Sea Robbers went into the halftime break firmly in control, having executed their game plan to perfection.

Chiefs emerged with renewed determination in the second half, enjoying more possession and showing greater composure in their build-up play.

Pirates thought they had extended their lead when Thalente Mbatha powered home a stunning header just ten minutes after the restart, only for celebrations to be cut short as the referee ruled the goal offside.

As the game went on, Pirates dropped slightly deeper, absorbing pressure while looking to strike on the counter. Their patience paid off when substitute Evidence Makgopa sealed the result ten minutes before full-time, calmly finishing to put the contest beyond doubt.

The closing stages were played at a frantic pace, with both sides throwing bodies forward in search of goals, but neither team could find the back of the net.

In the end, it was Pirates who emerged victorious in front of a packed Soccer City crowd.

The result not only handed Pirates three crucial points but, more importantly, secured Soweto Derby bragging rights, leaving their supporters celebrating long after the final whistle.