Orlando Pirates secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Polokwane City at
Orlando Stadium on Wednesday, a result that lifts the Buccaneers to third
place in the Betway Premiership standings.
Responding to a heavy loss the previous weekend, head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou
made several changes to his starting line-up. The reshuffle paid immediate
dividends as Tshepang Moremi gave the hosts a perfect start, slotting home
from close range for his second league goal of the season.
The Sea Robbers dominated possession and created the better chances
throughout the match. Masindi Nemtajela threatened with a deflected
long-range effort, while the lively Oswin Appollis was denied by Polokwane
goalkeeper Bwire after the break.
The home side’s profligacy in front of goal nearly proved costly.
Polokwane’s best chance fell to Bonginkosi Dlamini in the first half, but he
was thwarted by a sharp save from Pirates keeper Sipho Chaine. Pirates were
then denied by the woodwork just after the hour mark, as Evidence Makgopa
saw his close-range effort cannon off the post.
Despite these missed opportunities to kill the game, the Buccaneers’
defense held firm against a late push from “Rise and Shine,” ensuring the
narrow lead was enough to claim all three points and get their campaign
back on track.
Lineups:
Orlando Pirates: Chaine, Seema, Mbokazi, Ndaba, Sebelebele, Nduli,
Nemtajela, Maswanganyi, Moremi (K. Dlamini), Appollis, Makgopa (Mbuthuma).
Subs: Dladla, Sibisi, Ndlozi, Mariko, Dansin, Mbatha, Dlamini, Hotto,
Mbuthuma.
Polokwane City: Bwire, Matuludi, Mvundlela, Nkwe, Nkaki, B. Dlamini,
Kambala, Maphangule, Mnguni, Daniels, Tshabalala.
Subs: Mathebula, Nikani, Kelepu, Ramabu, Letshedi, Marema, Mashini, Motsa,
Manthosi.
