Orlando Pirates moved to within two points of the Betway Premiership summit following a composed 2-0 victory over Stellenbosch FC at Athlone Stadium on Tuesday night.
The Buccaneers made several notable changes from their recent Soweto Derby draw against Kaizer Chiefs. Nkosikhona Ndaba returned to the starting lineup, while Patrick Maswanganyi and Evidence Makgopa were also handed starts.
Stellenbosch suffered an early setback when Thapelo Mokobodi was forced off with a groin injury midway through the first half, prompting coach Gavin Hunt to introduce Wonderboy Makhubu in a tactical reshuffle.
After controlling much of the opening period, Pirates found the breakthrough in the 42nd minute. Makgopa rose above the defence to head home a well-delivered free-kick from Maswanganyi, netting his sixth league goal of the season.
Pirates doubled their lead just before halftime in somewhat fortuitous fashion. Maswanganyi’s teasing cross drifted beyond everyone in the box and found the back of the net after eluding goalkeeper Sage Stephens.
Hunt responded with attacking intent at the start of the second half, making changes to inject energy into his side. However, Stellenbosch struggled to break down a disciplined Pirates defence, well marshalled by goalkeeper Sipho Chaine.
Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou later rotated his squad, withdrawing both goal scorers to maintain intensity, as his side remained largely untroubled in the closing stages.
The hosts came close to pulling one back late on, but Chaine produced an excellent save to deny Genino Palace, preserving his 18th clean sheet of the league campaign.
Post match Orlando Pirates Head Coach Ouaddou praised the character and determination shown by his players on the tonight.
It’s a fantastic result. It leaves us in the title race,the guys were very brave. I’m very proud of them. I’m very proud to be the coach of these boys.
Today we saw warriors players who clearly gave an answer to say that we’re still here and we’re going to fight until the last second.
The result keeps Pirates firmly in the title race, applying pressure on leaders Mamelodi Sundowns as the season approaches its conclusion.