Orlando Pirates Reserves registered their first win of the 2024/25 season of the DStv Diski
Challenge when they beat Marumo Gallants 2-0 in their game played at Central University of
Technology Stadium on Saturday morning.
Heading to Bloemfontein with just two points earned in as many matches, the Bucs Reserves were determined to claim victory against the home side, who were enduring a nightmarish start to their campaign with defeats in each of their two fixtures.
Chances were few and far between throughout the first quarter as the two sides employed a
cautious approach. The Bucs Reserves grew into the contest as time went on with their relentless energy forcing the hosts into a mistake at the half-hour mark when they conceded a free kick in a dangerous position.
The opportunity however came to pass with the ball struck wide of the target from just in
front of goal. This was followed by another close shout six minutes later as Pirates midfielder Simphiwe Masilela worked himself into space, only to be denied by the keeper. With halftime approaching, Siphamandla Msezane was next to test the Gallants’ shot- stopper and was met with the same outcome as he failed to breach his defence. The young Buccaneers continued to search for the breakthrough with Cemran Dansin and Kabelo Moagi combining well to force another save right on the stroke of halftime.
Having spent the opening half camped in the opposition half, it was more of the same at the
start of the second period for the visitors as they continued to pin the hosts back. Dansin
could have provided the breakthrough in the 54th minute when he went through on goal, but
could not convert his opportunity.
The deadlock was however broken on the hour mark when captain Mbekezeli Mbokazi
managed to locate Msezane, who made no mistake as he produced a calm finish to put
Pirates ahead. Despite being a goal ahead, the Buccaneers did not relent on attack as they pursued a
second, coming close through Masilela who did well to get behind the defence before pulling
his shot wide with just the keeper to beat.
Gallants also had a chance to draw level late inthe contest when they were awarded a free kick right in front of the Pirates goal, but could not make it count. Bahlabane Ba Ntwa were left to regret the missed opportunity in the 84th minute as replacement defender Dimpho Madalane combined with fellow second-half sub Seth Green, who had no trouble turning the ball into the net to give the Soweto Giants a comfortable lead going into the game’s closing moments.
The Bucs Reserves remained composed to close out the contest, eventually bagging all
three points to take their tally to five with three games played.
Pirates Reserves XI: Visagie, Mbokazi, Ralenkoane, Selepe, Sibiya (Madalane 69’),
Ngwenya, Moagi (Green 54’), Masilela, Dansin (Mazibuko 69’), Mohlala, Msezane (Williams
89’).
