Pirates get one point while King Zwelithini stadium hosts a party

Njabulo Ngidi FNB Stadium Orlando Pirates (0)1 Matlaba 46 Platinum Stars (0)1 Ntuli 49

THE BUCCANEERS tripped on a banana peel in the form of Dikwena with Saturday’s Soweto Derby against their arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs at the back of their minds.

The fall from that trip wasn’t that bad as Pirates still managed to get a point even though they were looking for all three against the struggling Phokeng-based club. The Ghost even vetoed Issa Sarr’s introduction, showing their desire for a win by voicing their displeasure after the Senegalese hardman was called by the bench with just under 20 minutes remaining.

The Pirates fans wanted to either see a goal or the introduction of a player who can add to their attack, not the defensive Sarr. Pirates’ technical team listened and Sarr was sent back. Lyle Foster ended up being the club’s last substitute, much to the displeasure of the fans as the young forward replaced Thabo Qalinge who was the hosts’ liveliest player.

Pirates’ coach Milutin Sredojevic had tweaked the defence that’s been solid so far. The Serbian, without the injured Happy Jele, handed 22-yearold centreback Lehlohonolo Mtshali his debut, partnering him with Abbubaker Mobara while Ntsikelelo Nyauza was shifted from centreback to his familiar rightback position. That defence was hardly tested by the visitors who are shy in front of goals. Stars came into this match rooted to the bottom with just two goals from their opening seven matches.

Bonginkosi Ntuli gave Dikwena their third goal after he caught Pirates’ defenders napping. Ntuli’s goal was a quick response to the lead Pirates got through captain Thabo Matlaba. Sredojevic had decided to take the game to the visitors in the second half by sacrificing Musa Nyatama in a midfield that the hosts easily controlled. Thabiso Kutumela took Nyatama’s place and brought more impetus to Pirates’ attack. Kutumela opened the space that allowed Matlaba to unleash his famous thunderbolt.

Meanwhile, Kamlesh Gosai reports from Durban that a five-goal feast ended 3-2 in favour of Polokwane City as AmaZulu surrendered their unbeaten home record at the King Zwelithini Stadium.

Ndivhuwo Ravhuhali, Walter Musona and Rodney Ramagalela scored for Polokwane while Rhulani Manzini and Mhlengi Cele were on the mark for Usuthu.

The top of the clash tie between Baroka FC and Golden Arrows ended 1-1.