By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
There was drama prior to Saturday’s DStv Premiership match between Orlando Pirates and TS Galaxy when the visiting team’s chairman was denied access to the field.
Video footage has emerged showing TS Galaxy president Tim Sukazi clashing with police and security officials after being denied entry onto the Orlando Stadium pitch.
The Rockets shared a video of the incident on their official Twitter page, insisting their club owner had the necessary accreditation.
Incase you missed it! Our President Tim Sukazi was denied access to the change-room! pic.twitter.com/uqYhWPtBNy
— TS Galaxy FC (@TSGALAXYFC) December 11, 2021
Pirates came into the match having drawn three of the last four league encounters, while the Rockets were looking to build on just their third win of the campaign after beating Chippa United 3-1 in midweek.
The hosts offered the greater threat in the first half and were good value for their 1-0 lead at the break.
Galaxy had the first shot in anger though, as Tshegofatso Nyama lined up an effort from long range that sailed well wide of the mark in the sixth minute.
Terrence Dzvukamanja then failed to test the visiting keeper moments later after he too had a pop from distance, but Bandile Shandu would make their first clear-cut opportunity count on 14 minutes.
The former Maritzburg United midfielder lashed the ball into the roof of the net at the second attempt after being picked out by Deon Hotto’s pin-point long ball.
Kwame Peprah was a fraction away from doubling the Buccaneers’ lead on the half-hour mark as he latched onto Hotto’s threaded pass and lifted the ball over Marlon Heugh, only to be denied by the upright.
The Soweto giants fashioned one more chance before the break with Fortune Makaringe directing a cross from Peprah comfortably into the gloves of Heugh in the 39th minute.
However, Pirates wasted no time in doubling their lead after the restart as Makgaka was left with a simple-tap-in from close range on 50 minutes after being teed up by Hotto, who registered his second assist of the game.
The confidence was now flowing for Bucs and Shandu tested Heugh with a strike from some way out on 58 minutes before substitute Ben Motshwari fired wide of the target three minutes later following more good work from Hotto to pick him out.
The Mpumalanga outfit finally managed their first attempt on target soon afterwards, although Sinethemba Mngomezulu’s tame shot was easily dealt with by Siyabonga Mpontshane, who was called into action again on 76 minutes to prevent Masilake Phohlongo from pulling one back for Sead Ramovic’s side.
There were no further scares for the host team as they saw out the remainder of the contest to come away with all three points and to go second on the table in the DStv Premiership.
DSTV Premiership Results:
Orlando Pirates 2 – 0 TS Galaxy.
Swallows FC 0 – 1 Marumo Gallants.
Baroka FC 0 – 0 Cape Town City.
Chippa United 1 – 1 Amazulu.