As the 2023/24 football season approaches, Orlando Pirates continue their fine form in preseason, securing a well-deserved 4-2 victory against TS Galaxy in a friendly match at Sturrock Park on Sunday afternoon.
The Buccaneers showcased their attacking prowess and tactical adaptability in the three-thirds game format, which saw both technical teams giving their players a run for much-needed match fitness ahead of the upcoming league campaign.
The friendly match, which was played behind closed doors, was a close affair as it swung back and forth with a series of goals and exciting moments. Orlando Pirates set the tempo by opening the scoring through Thabiso Monyane. However, The Rockets showed resilience and responded with an equaliser, capitalising on a penalty opportunity.
The coaches made strategic changes in the second third of the match, injecting fresh energy and creativity into their respective squads. Pirates’ captain, Innocent Maela, unfortunately, conceded a penalty halfway through the match, which was confidently converted by TS Galaxy’s Bernard Parker. Undeterred, the Buccaneers surged forward, ultimately restoring parity with a well-orchestrated goal by Patrick Maswanganyi.
As the match reached its concluding stage, both teams made additional changes. Bucs Head Coach, Jose Riveiro, introduced the likes of Zakhele Lepasa, Eva Nga, Fortune Makaringe, and Bandile Shandu. These substitutions paid off as Nga and Makaringe made significant contributions to the team’s performance. Fortune Makaringe showcased his clinical finishing abilities, latching onto a pinpoint cross from Bandile Shandu to find the back of the net. Not to be outdone, the burly Cameroonian forward, Eva Nga, sealed the victory with a clinical finish past the onrushing goalkeeper in the dying embers of the game.
With one more friendly match scheduled on July 29, the Buccaneers will look to fine-tune their tools before the 2023/24 league campaign kicks off on August 5, with a trip to Cape Town to face Stellenbosch FC.
