Staff Reporter.
Orlando Pirates ended their winless streak in the DStv Premiership when they beat Sekhukhune United 1-0 at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday evening.
Thabiso Monyane’s solo goal in the 79th minute was enough to earn Pirates maximum points at home.
Before Monyane got the goal for the Buccaneers, Pirates players did a lot of huffing and puffing, but they just could not get that crucial final touch to beat Sekhukhune’s goalkeeper, Ali Badra Sangare, who was impressive in goals for Babina Noko.
Pirates’ chances, however, were few and far in between, with the best chance in the opening stanza falling to Thembinkosi Lorch.
The Pirates fan favourite combined well with playmaker Patrick Maswanganyi, who used his skill to get past his markers and delivered a well-weighed cross to Lorch in the 27th minute.
Lorch controlled the ball well but could not get enough power behind his effort as Sangare had no trouble dealing with the attacker’s tame shot.
With Brandon Truter shown the exit door on Sunday following his defeat to TS Galaxy last Saturday in the Carling Black Label Knockout Cup quarter-finals, MacDonald Makhubedu was the man in charge of Sekhukhune.
This victory serves as a pivotal momentum shift for the Buccaneers and provides a significant boost to their confidence. With this win, they can now turn their attention to the highly anticipated clash against their neighbours and arch-rivals, Kaizer Chiefs, in the upcoming Soweto Derby league match on Saturday at FNB Stadium.
Meanwhile the high-flying Golden Arrows experienced a stark return to reality when they faced relegation-threatened Royal AM in a midweek KwaZulu-Natal derby.
Menzi Masuku’s goal in just two minutes of play, propelled Royal AM further away from the relegation danger zone.
Elsewhere Stellenbosch FC received a significant boost as their forward, Iqraam Rayners, netted two goals, securing a well-deserved 2-1 victory against Richards Bay in the Cape Winelands.