Orlando Pirates attacker Luvuyo Memela says he was happy to have played a starring role in their 3-1 triumph over Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto derby on Saturday.

A brace by Memela and a single goal by Thembinkosi Lorch cancelled out Leonardo Castro’s first half strike as the Buccaneers continue to pile the pressure on log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns after closing the gap to just four points.

Memela says he is delighted with the team’s overall performance but he insists that he was happy to get on the scoresheet against their arch-rivals.

“They were putting pressure on us because we weren’t creating any chances. I think in the first-half, we only had one chance, the one that Lorch scored,” Memela told SuperSport TV after the game.

“At half-time, the coach told us we need to push high, try and create more goals and we were lucky that, early in the second half, we got the first chance and we used it.

“I’ve been waiting for this for a while, it was my first derby. I’m happy that I managed to score a goal, but I’m happy for the team.”

Orlando Pirates will now turn their attention to the Nedbank Cup when they travel to face Cape Town City on 14 March, with kick-off set for 19:30.