“It Feels Like a Loss” – Sebelebele Reacts as Pirates Drop Crucial Points in Soweto Derby Draw

Orlando Pirates winger Kamogelo Sebelebele has admitted that Sunday’s Soweto Derby stalemate felt more like a defeat, after the Buccaneers were held to a 1–1 draw by Kaizer Chiefs in a high-stakes Betway Premiership clash.

Speaking to Pirates media after the match, Sebelebele did not hide his frustration, with the result denting Pirates’ momentum at the top of the table.

“Today’s game didn’t go according to plan because the opponents came with a defensive approach and they were aggressive,” Sebelebele said.

“Unfortunately, we didn’t get the result we were looking for. To us, this draw is a loss because we are chasing the league title. But we will push until the end, until the last game of the league.”

The latest chapter of South African football’s fiercest rivalry lived up to expectations, as Orlando Pirates and Chiefs played out an entertaining encounter at a packed FNB Stadium on Sunday.

With Pirates leading the Betway Premiership standings heading into the clash, the pressure was firmly on the Buccaneers to secure maximum points in their title push. Chiefs, meanwhile, were eager to disrupt their rivals’ ambitions and claim a statement result.

The opening half was cagey, with both sides cautious in possession and reluctant to commit numbers forward, resulting in a goalless 45 minutes.

The match burst into life after the break. Chiefs struck first in the 62nd minute when Pule Mmodi finished off a move created by Wandile Duba, giving Amakhosi a crucial lead.

Pirates responded with urgency and attacking intent. Their persistence paid off in the 75th minute when Sebelebele found the equaliser, calmly finishing to restore parity and ignite celebrations among the home supporters.

Both teams pushed for a winner in the closing stages, making attacking substitutions and creating late chances, but neither side could find the decisive breakthrough.

The result leaves Pirates at the summit of the Betway Premiership table with 59 points from 26 matches.

Orlando Pirates winger Kamogelo Sebelebele (Image: Orlando Pirates)

The second – placed Mamelodi Sundowns remain firmly in contention with 58 points from 25 games after being held to a goalless draw by Richards Bay FC later on Sunday.

Chiefs, meanwhile, strengthened their position in the top three, sitting on 47 points from 25 matches as they continue their push for a strong finish.

While a draw in the Soweto Derby is often seen as a respectable outcome, the context of the title race made this result particularly significant for Pirates.

Sebelebele’s reaction reflects a squad fully aware of what is at stake, with every dropped point potentially decisive in the battle for the Betway Premiership crown.

With the season entering its final stretch, Pirates will need to quickly regroup – knowing that in a title race this tight, even a single result like this could prove costly.