Saleng rescues ‘Bucs’ again
Orlando Pirates ................ 2 Cape Town City ................ 1 OHANNESBURG – As wasteful as he can be, Monnapule Saleng is nevertheless continuing to score vital goals that may eventually secure Orlando Pirates a place in the Caf Champions League next season.
Saleng scored his 10th DStv Premiership strike as Pirates beat Cape Town City 2-1 at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto yesterday.
The victory moved Pirates two points clear in second spot with four matches to finish what’s been a better campaign for the Buccaneers, especially in the second half.
Pirates win was the fifth on the trot and if they earn more positive results in the remaining matches against TS Galaxy, Royal AM, Sekhukhune United and AmaZulu, Jose Riviero’s team will be flying South Africa’s flag in the Champions League for the first time since the 2019-2020 next season.
After failing time and again to find his teammates with a final ball, Saleng finally delivered for Pirates with 16 minutes left on the clock when he de
Jcided to take a strike on at goal to beat Darren Keet in City’s goal. City had taken the lead via Khanyisa Mayo, one of the hottest South African strikers in the PSL this season, in the 18th minute. Mayo slotted in his ninth league goal of the season, taking advantage of poor defending by the hosts. Pirates lost the ball from their own throw in and Mayo played a wall pass to Jaeden Rhodes, who played it back to him to open the score with a low shot inside the area.
City’s lead lasted for 10 minutes as Pirates equalised through Terrence Dzvukamanja’s header after the visitors failed to deal with Kabelo Dlamini’s header, which found Innocent Maela with acres of space to set up the goal for the Zimbabwean striker.