Lorch lights the way for Bucs
KAIZER CHIEFS (0) (1) ORLANDO PIRATES (0) (1) AFTER three successive defeats to their arch rivals Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs finally took something from the Buccaneers as the teams played to a 1-1 draw in an Absa Premiership Soweto Derby at FNB Stadium yesterday.
It was a game of different intents, as Chiefs were looking to end Pirates’ dominant streak while also giving their supporters something to cheer about in an unpleasant season.
Pirates, though, were looking to keep their title aspirations intact, while gearing up for their continental fixture on Tuesday against Esperance of Tunisia.
Khama Billiat, who got the opener the last time these two greats from Soweto played at this venue, nearly repeated the feat, only to be denied by goalie Wayne Sandilands from close range.
But that save was a tiny drop to console the Bucs’ supporters who are still bemoaning the howler he caused in their 1-1 draw against a Highlands Park team that had zero shots on target in their opening match of the season.
The ‘Ghost’ signalled for his substitution after the former Mamelodi Sundowns shot-stopper failed to comfortably save a diagonal ball from Kgotso Moleko.
The teams might have gone into the interval goalless but debutant Happy Mashiane, who played only the first 45 minutes of this game, had done enough to motivate future footballers to start believing.
The 21-year-old Mashiane, who was making his third start since his promotion from the reserves, already has the club’s faithful eating from the palm of his hand.
Just as they’ve been doing for the past two weeks they chanted and waved him on whenever he was in possession of the ball.
While the majority of the attention in the first half was going to Mashiane, that gave another newbie, Daniel Akpeyi, a breather.
Although Pirates tried to use their explosive forwards – Vincent Pule, Justin Shonga and Thembinkosi Lorch – to beat the opposition’s defence, Khosi’s defence sat back and absorbed the pressure.
Billiat is pacey and tricky with his feet, while Pirates’ defence make up for that in prowess.
Eventually Pirates succumbed to Billiat’s qualities when Asavela Mbekile fouled him inside the box, to leave referee Abongile Tom with no option but to point to the spot. Daniel Cardoso took the responsibility and sent Sandilands the wrong way.
Billiat’s brilliance was on display but his efforts deserved to be rewarded with a goal. It never came, though, and instead the visitors levelled with 10 minutes to go.
Following a through ball from the heart of the engine room, Lorch created space for a one-on-one duel with Akpeyi before placing the ball into the bottom corner.
As things heat up at the top of the log, Pirates will be consoled by the fact that leaders Bidvest Wits lost 2-1 to Highlands Park in yesterday’s other early match. DURBAN will host the first of two Test matches between the Proteas and Sri Lanka, starting on Wednesday.
In the winter, South Africa had their colours lowered in Sri Lanka, as the spinning tracks of Galle and Colombo proved too much for them.
It was a meek surrender, given what they had accomplished in 2014 there, winning a series under the leadership of Hashim Amla.
On that occasion, the Proteas had leant heavily on the reverse-swing of Dale Steyn, and the barrel-straight bowling of the supporting cast.
There were also crucial runs for the Proteas, and that key ingredient was missing in 2018.
Temba Bavuma and Theunis de Bruyn tried, but it was all in vain in the end. South Africa’s frailties against spin surfaced again, and the islanders twirled their way to a cherished series victory. Now, on firmer tracks, against an attack that has already had the taste of blood, the Sri Lankans will be dreading what comes next.
Duanne Olivier has become the Bone Collector, Dale Steyn is back to his best, and Kagiso Rabada has been given time off.
Their only respite is that Kingsmead and St George’s Park are probably as friendly a pair of tracks as South Africa could have handed the Sri Lankans, but that is how the schedule has played out.
The one area where South Africa will really be looking to beef up is the runs column. In the last three home series, against India, Australia and Pakistan, there has been a premium on survival. The opposition attacks have been that good, and the assistance from the surfaces has not helped.
Now, on slower tracks, the top order of South Africa will be expected to come into their own.
This is the last of the summer wine for them, because India away and then England at home are the next assignments.
In Durban, the Proteas will have to make some tough selection decisions.
Keshav Maharaj would expect a game, but the Proteas may again feel to go with their strength of pace bowling – especially against a side who have shown recent weakness in that area.