The 23-year-old defender admitted he felt overwhelmed ahead of kick-off but quickly reminded himself of the responsibility that comes with wearing the famous black and white jersey as Pirates went on to claim a 3-0 victory over Amakhosi.

Sebelebele, making his Soweto Derby debut, started and completed the match, producing a complete performance at right back. Solid in defence and adventurous going forward, the former TS Galaxy speedster capped his afternoon with the Man-of-the-Match award.

"Yes, I was scared before entering the game, but when I went onto the field I said, 'This is a men's game,'" Sebelebele told the club's media team.

"I'm playing for Orlando Pirates, so I had to switch on, and this is an important game for Pirates. I'm glad for this game because it was my first derby."

Goals from Tshepang Moremi, Oswin Appolis and Evidence Makgopa sealed an emphatic win for the Buccaneers. Moremi and Appolis were also making their derby debuts, underlining a new generation rising to the occasion on the grandest domestic stage.

The result was a timely response from Pirates, who had been reeling after successive league defeats to Mamelodi Sundowns and a Nedbank Cup exit at the hands of Casric Stars.

"This game of today was very important because we were coming from two defeats and we had to keep our heads up," Sebelebele added.

"This is a big game in South Africa, and we had to make our supporters happy."

The victory lifted Pirates back to the summit of the Betway Premiership standings on 41 points, level with Sundowns and separated only by goal difference.

Next up is a trip to the Peter Mokaba Stadium to face Polokwane City on Wednesday, where Sebelebele will look to build on a dream derby debut.

Orlando Pirates defender admits pre-match fear after dream derby display