Orlando Pirates Reserves claimed a hard-fought 1-0 victory in their DStv Diski Challenge encounter against Lamontville Golden Arrows which took place at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium on Saturday.
It was a return to winning ways for Joseph Makhanya’s young troops whose three points took them from seventh to fourth in the standings. This is after they were made to sweat for their victory by an Arrows side desperate to get off the mark in the new season.
Without a goal in their last two games, Pirates set out to end a winless streak of as many matches. It was a subdued start to proceedings with the visitors enjoying most of the possession while struggling to find the finishing touch.
An error from the Buccaneers led to a rare chance for the opposition, with Khanyisani Malinga firing just wide with his shot from outside the penalty area. A similar opportunity was presented at the other end where Bucs midfielder Simphiwe Masilela intercepted Abafana Bes’thende’s attempt to play out from the back, but failed to find a way past goalkeeper Owami Dlamini.
Pirates continued to push deep into the hosts’ half without affecting the scoreboard. This was despite nearly going into the break a goal up, as captain Mbekezeli Mbokazi was played in behind the defence only to miscue his shot with just the keeper to beat.
The first 45 minutes ended goalless, with the second period kicking off with a more assertive display from Arrows who sought to break the deadlock. Bucs keeper Bayanda Zulu was called upon early on after the break, as he had to be quick off his line with Andile Dlamini bearing down on goal.
Despite the early pressure from the home side, the Buccaneers were able to regain control of the game as the lively Gosiame Ngobeni delivered a cross towards Ciniso Mazibuko, who was a split-second too late on the ball. The roles were reversed in the 58th minute with Mazibuko pinpointing Ngobeni with a cross of his own, only to be denied by Dlamini.
The visitor kept the pressure on, constantly knocking on Arrows’ door and the decisive moment came in the 74th minute when Siphamandla Msezane was fouled inside the box by Dlamini, with the referee duly awarding a penalty. The Bucs forward confidently stepped up and smashed the ball low and hard beyond the shot-stopper’s reach to give his side a deserved lead.
Following their opener, the Buccaneers went in search of their second to seal the result. They had several chances as Mazibuko, Ngobeni, and replacement midfielder Cemran Dansin all combined well only to be let down by poor finishing.
The best of these chances fell to second-half sub Aphelele Nzimande who was played in by Msezane in the 83rd minute, only to rush his effort at goal. That however did not prove too costly with the Buccaneers’ finding no difficulty in holding on to their slim lead for three well-earned points.
Pirates Reserves XI: Zulu, Ralenkoane, Mbokazi, Mokone, Sibiya, Mohlala (Williams 71’), Molepo, Ngobeni (Green 61’) , Mazibuko (Nzimande 61’), Masilela (Dansin 35’), Msezane.
