Orlando Pirates Reserves had a tough away outing on Saturday, going down 3-0 to TS Galaxy at Sturrock Park on Saturday. The match, originally meant to take place at Isak Steyl Stadium, was relocated from TS Galaxy’s usual home venue due to unavailability.
It was the young Buccaneers’ first defeat of the new season, coming right after two successive wins that took their points tally after four matches to eight. They faced a stiff challenge against a Galaxy outfit that went in search of their first win after playing to three consecutive draws in their previous fixtures.
The home side started strong, dominating possession within the opening minutes and creating pressure on the Pirates’ defence. A crucial moment came in the eighth minute when debutant goalkeeper Bayanda Zulu nearly conceded following a misplaced ball, but managed to recover under pressure. Bucs defender Jabulani Mokone narrowly escaped a booking in the 14th minute following a foul just outside the penalty box.
However, just three minutes later, another defensive error led to Zulu committing a foul inside the box with Galaxy duly taking the lead after converting from the penalty spot. Cemran Dansin had an opportunity to draw level moments later, but misfired with his effort.
The pressure was however concentrated at the other end where the home side sought to extend their lead. It took until the 30th minute for them to double their advantage after breaking the offside
trap, forcing Mokone into an own goal from a low cross.
Heading into the break with undesired daylight between themselves and their opponents, the Buccaneers made a tactical change before the restart as they brought Gosiame Ngobeni on to bolster the attack. It was however Spamandla Msezane who had the first opportunity in the second half, which he could not convert following a pass from Cemran Dansin.
The Bucs forward had another chance from a free kick after he was fouled just outside the box, but his effort missed the target. Meanwhile, Galaxy continued to press, testing the Pirates’ defence with quick breaks, but Zulu was quick off his line to make a critical save to deny a third goal.
What turned out to be the Pirates’ final chance in the contest came when a pinpoint cross found Ngobeni inside the box, with his shot drifting wide. The team from Mpumalanga was also awarded a set piece of their own in the latter stages, but Zulu’s reflexes kept the scoreline at 2-0.
Despite Pirates’ efforts to fight back, the home side had the final say as they netted their third of the afternoon deep in injury time. This underlined a miserable outing for the Bucs Reserves as the final whistle sounded soon after, confirming a heavy defeat on the road.
Pirates Reserves XI: Zulu, Selepe, Ralenkoane, Mokone, Sibiya (Madalane 90’), Molepo (Ngwenya 72’), Dansin (Masilela 72’), Mohlala, Green, Magadla (Ngobeni 46’), Msezane.
