Soweto Derby heroes: The three main men powering Orlando Pirates’ title charge

As the Betway Premiership nears its third and final quarter of the season, there’s one thing that’s clear: Orlando Pirates are in the title race, and determined to go all the way, ending a 14-year drought.

Pirates beat arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs 3-0 at FNB Stadium on Saturday night to go on 41 points, 11 ahead of Kaizer Chiefs, who have a game in hand. Pirates earned the country’s bragging rights, but showed a BMT that could just be enough to steer them to the promised land.

Granted, the win came courtesy of a team effort, and the tactical prowess of debutant coach Abdeslam Ouaddou and his technical staff, but there were some individuals that starred in the Soweto derby, raising their abilities to be the team’s main men heading into the final stretch of the season until May.

Kamogelo Sebelebele | Wing-Back

Sebelebele loves a big game. When Pirates needed someone to rescue them from the jaws of defeat in both legs against Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 semi-final, Sebelebele stepped up, scoring equalisers in the 1-1 draws in Soweto and Atteridgeville.

Enter the Soweto derby. The former TS Galaxy man also proved his worth with a Player of the Match performance, thanks to his effectiveness in both defence and attack on the pitch. Sebelebele cleared Chiefs’ threat, while he combined well – including in tight rondos – with their striking contingent on the day.

While he may have proved himself against Chiefs, Sebelebele still boasts pace in his tank, making him very useful and effective for modern-day football. And with the league nearing its peak, where fatigue and tired legs are expected to give in, Sebelebele is expected to still run at full pace, and exploit the defence's weaknesses.

Oswin Appollis | Attacker

Arguably Pirates' best signing of the season, Appollis has been a livewire. His impact both as a starter and from the bench is notable as he’s a key piece in Pirates’ striking options.

The diminutive player is quick with his feet, making it relatively easy for him to exploit the pockets and get into the right channels, where he either creates or scores goals. That’s why he's a handful for a lot of defenders, especially in must-win matches. He was one of the heroes in the 3-0 win over Stellenbosch in the MTN8 final, and the 3-3 draw with St. Eloi Lupopo in the CAF Champions League final play-offs.

Having had some off-the-field shenanigans in the earlier part of his career, Appollis must be eager to make up for lost ground. And there’d be no better way to do that than by steering the Sea Robbers to the calm waters of the league title.

Tshepang Moremi | Attacker

When Moremi arrived at Pirates in winter, he was the victim of the boo boys. But he’s since taken those shortcomings in his strides, becoming an integral part of the team, and Bafana Bafana, scoring decisive goals.

His appetite for goal is secondary. Moremi thrives in taking players on with his pacy feet, which leaves defenders eating dust, while creating ample space for their marksmen to have a shot at goals. Granted, he might struggle with his right foot, but he makes up for that by cutting in, giving himself a clear view at goal.

Moremi is expected to still go full strength until the end of the season, helping not only Pirates win the coveted title, but earn his spot in the Bafana final squad for the World Cup in June.

*Mihlali Baleka is Independent Media's senior football reporter and a panelist on the group's soccer podcast, The D-Line, which is exclusive on our YouTube channel The Clutch