From Nervous to Man of the Match: How Sebelebele Powered Pirates Past Chiefs
A Soweto Derby debut is enough to overwhelm even the most seasoned professionals. For 23-year-old defender Kamogelo Sebelebele, it became the perfect stage to announce himself.
The young Orlando Pirates winger delivered a commanding performance at a packed FNB Stadium on Saturday, earning Man of the Match honours as the Buccaneers dismantled arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs 3–0 in the Betway Premiership.
The Soweto Derby between Orlando Pirates and Chiefs is widely regarded as the biggest fixture in South African football. For Sebelebele, making his debut in such a high-pressure encounter could have been daunting – and he admitted as much after the match.
Speaking to Pirates media at the stadium, the winger revealed he was initially nervous before kick-off. However, once the match began, he settled into his rhythm and focused on executing his responsibilities.
“It was a big match. I’m happy with the result, especially because it came on the back of two losses,” Sebelebele said. “Before the match started I was nervous, but when we got on the pitch I was able to settle in and focus on the game. I told myself that I am also a Pirates player and I know that whether the match is big or not I have to switch on. Obviously it was not easy, but I am happy we won in my first derby.”
Orlando Pirates winger Kamogelo Sebelebele (Image: @orlandopirates/ X)
His stellar performance helped Pirates secure their fifth consecutive league win over their arch-rivals, solidifying their current dominance in the fixture, capping a memorable personal milestone with collective success.
Despite the derby high, Pirates will have to cope without their Man of the Match in their next fixture.
Sebelebele picked up his fourth yellow card of the season during the clash against Chiefs, triggering an automatic suspension. He will miss the Buccaneers’ midweek Betway Premiership encounter against Polokwane City at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday (kick-off 19:30).
The timing is unfortunate, particularly as the winger appears to be hitting top form at a decisive point in the season.