Orlando Pirates Reserves returned to winning ways in the DStv Diski Challenge with an emphatic 5–0 victory over Siwelele FC at a packed UJ Soweto Campus Stadium on Saturday morning, securing their 16th win in 22 matches.
The result saw Pirates extend their lead at the top of the standings, opening a three-point as the race for the Diski Challenge title intensifies.
Match Attendees, included Gayton McKenzie, South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, and the visiting club’s chairman Calvin Le John. Pirates made a perfect start when a dangerous delivery from Jabu Mokone forced an own goal by Banele Khumalo shortly after kick-off.
Siwelele were handed a chance to equalise in the 10th minute after winning a penalty, but Koketso Mathidza missed the spot-kick, allowing Pirates to maintain their slender lead going into halftime.
Pirates returned from the break with renewed intensity and soon doubled their advantage through Mpho Padime. Coach Roscoe Krieling then introduced Seth Green and Thuto Sesipi, whose energy increased the tempo and caused problems for the visitors’ defence.
The match swung further in Pirates’ favour when Keabwetse Khonyane received a straight red card, reducing Siwelele to ten men. Pirates quickly capitalised as Green tapped into an open net before Samukelo Zikalala calmly rounded the goalkeeper to make it four.
Pirates captain Lebo Mohlala completed the rout with a fifth goal, celebrating with a spectacular backflip that delighted the crowd. Substitute Will Henson nearly added a sixth on debut in stoppage time, but his effort was ruled offside.
In other Diski Challenge results on Saturday, Marumo Gallants edged Durban City FC 1–0, while Stellenbosch FC and TS Galaxy FC played out an entertaining 4–4 draw. Lamontville Golden Arrows and Kaizer Chiefs shared the spoils in a 1–1 draw, while Polokwane City secured a 2–1 victory over Sekhukhune United.
Sunday’s fixtures will see Magesi FC face Chippa United at Seshego Stadium, while Orbit College FC host Mamelodi Sundowns at Olympia Park Stadium. In the final match of the day, AmaZulu FC will take on Richards Bay FC at Princess Magogo Stadium.
Image By: Mazilitha