Staff Reporter.
Orlando Pirates saw off struggling SuperSport United 1-0 in a Premier Soccer League match on Tuesday at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.
Pirates reduced Mamelodi Sundowns’ lead to 14 points in the standings, but the latter have already been crowned champions.
Supersport on the other hand, remained 14th in the standings level on points with Cape Town City, who are in the relegation playoff spot.
Matsatsantsa were eager to seriously test Siyabonga Dladla, who was making his Betway Premiership debut, in the Bucs goal-posts and the 24-year-old goalkeeper produced a save to deny Lyle Lakay just three minutes into the match.
Dladla was then called into action in the 19th minute and the Bucs shot-stopper denied Lebohang Maboe. Pirates did threaten in the 27th minute, but keeper Thakasani Mbanjwa came out to block Tshegofatso Mabasa’s attempt and the score was 0-0 at halftime.
Mohau Nkota became a constant threat to the SuperSport backline after the restart as he made runs in behind the hosts’ defence. The 20-year-old was denied by Mbanjwa from close range after being sent through on goal by Mabasa in the 58th minute.
However, the deadlock was finally broken in the 72nd minute when Karim Kimvuidi set up Nkota, who beat Mbanjwa at the near post to hand Pirates the lead. SuperSport were unlucky not to equalise in the 89th minute when Nyiko Mobbie hit the upright and Pirates held to secure a 1-0 win on the night.
Pirates remain with two games, against AmaZulu and Magesi FC on May 24 and May 28, respectively. On May 24, SuperSport will entertain Richards Bay as they conclude the season.