Historic win for Steve over Bucs
Sam’s spectacular goal seals Pirates’ second defeat
Bloemfontein Celtic made it three out of three with a 1-0 win over Orlando Pirates at Free State Stadium yesterday.
Defender Bongani Sam scored the all-important goal for Siwelele to hand coach Steve Komphela his first win over Pirates in a long while, after failing to beat them during his three-year stay at rivals Kaizer Chiefs.
It’s been a disappointing time for the Buccaneers, who were expected to carry on from last season and challenge for the title, but have now suffered two losses in a row following the 0-1 loss to Wits at Orlando Stadium in midweek. Pirates were also knocked out of the MTN8 by SuperSport United last weekend.
Celtic, on the other hand, were tipped for relegation amid their financial troubles.
But their coach Steve Komphela’s motivational skills haven’t gone to waste as Siwelele are among the top teams in the league in terms of the log.
Rather than struggle, they have shown they aren’t a spent force and are ready for battle. They are the only side with a 100% record this season.
The win against Pirates didn’t come easy. While Pirates dominated possession, Celtic continued to put up a fight throughout the match.
Pirates had Thabo Matlaba back in the line-up, who just a few weeks ago was deemed surplus to requirements and Pirates were ready to off-load him to Chippa United, until he turned down the move.
Bucs also had experienced midfielder Mpho Makola back in the starting XI with coach Micho Sredojevic making five changes from the team that lost to Wits.
Under-fire striker Thamsanqa Gabuza was also given a run, but Man of the Match Alfred Ndengane gave him little space. Celtic started with a few newcomers like Tebogo Potsane and Sam, who put them ahead after just 16 minutes when Pirates failed to defend a corner and in acrobatic fashion, Sam fired home.
Cheered on by their eversinging supporters, Celtic kept Pirates at bay, but there were moments Pirates could have found their way back into the match.
In the second half, an inchperfect cross from Vincent Pule found Gabuza in the box, but the striker failed to hit the target with a header.
Captain Happy Jele’s header was cleared off the line in the dying moments and Celtic bagged the three points.
Now Komphela has nine days to prepare for his former team Chiefs, who they visit for a clash at FNB Stadium on August 29, while Pirates have another difficult trip to Limpopo where they face promoted Black Leopards.