Orlando Pirates striker Evidence Makgopa and teammate Makhehlene Makhaula celebrate during the Betway Premiership match at Athlone Stadium. The Buccaneers’ title hopes are still alive and kicking after a crucial 2-0 victory over Stellenbosch FC.
The win was courtesy of a two-goal blitz on the stroke of halftime, with Makgopa and Patrick Maswanganyi on target. Pirates now move up to 62 points, and trail league-leaders Mamelodi Sundowns by just two points with both teams having three matches remaining.
Pirates’ Title Push
It was also Pirates’ goalkeeper Sipho Chaine’s 18th clean sheet of the season, equalling Sundowns’ Ronwen Williams’ all-time league record. The expected wet and cold conditions did not materialise on what turned out to be a balmy evening in Cape Town, which played into Pirates’ favour.
A glorious opening chance fell to Bafana Bafana star Oswin Appollis with the former Polokwane City forward picking up a cross into the box, but only to push his left-footed shot wide of the bottom corner. Stellenbosch, who were without suspended regular centre back Thabo Moloisane, showed their disruption at the back when Nigerian Kazie Enyinnaya headed an Appollis cross towards his own goal, forcing goalkeeper Sage Stephens into a reflex save to avoid Pirates taking the lead.
Key Players
Pirates’ hot-shot Relebohile Mofokeng’s influence on the encounter was growing as the first-half progressed and the Bucs playmaker delivered a delightful cut-back from the left to find Maswanganyi unmarked on the edge of the box. Unfortunately for the visitors, Maswanganyi fluffed the golden chance by pushing his shot wide of the target.
The Stellenbosch dam wall, however, eventually burst due to the constant pressure Pirates were exerting when Bafana Bafana striker Makgopa showed his class by heading home an inch-perfect Maswanganyi free-kick. The provider became the goalscorer shortly afterwards when Maswanganyi finally found the back net when he beat Stephens to virtually seal the contest before the players headed off into the tunnel at the halftime break.
According to the Premier Soccer League rules, teams are awarded three points for a win and one point for a draw. With only three matches remaining, the title race is heating up, and Pirates will be looking to capitalize on any slip-ups by Sundowns.
Here are the current top three teams in the league standings:
- Mamelodi Sundowns – 64 points
- Orlando Pirates – 62 points
- Kaizer Chiefs – 55 points
The second half did not match the first stanza for entertainment with Pirates content to hold on to their advantage with the best chance actually falling to Stellies when Devin Titus’ cross found Palace, but the midfielder could not contain his rich vein of scoring form with ball ricocheting against the post.
