Bucs’ winning run continues
LEAGUE: BEAT 10-MAN BLOEM CELTIC TO STAY IN THE HUNT
Pirates slowly transferring their impressive cup form into the Premiership.
Orlando Pirates made it three wins in three games after recording a 1-0 victory over Bloemfontein Celtic in a DStv Premiership fixture at Orlando Stadium yesterday evening.
Pirates had beaten the club from the City of Roses in the reverse league fixture, while also recording a win in the MTN8 Cup final.
But, there was drama in this game as Celtic were forced to play the entire second half with 10 men after Ndumiso Mabena got red-carded on the stroke of halftime.
The Buccaneers were looking at bringing their good form in the Caf Confederation Cup and the Nedbank Cup into the league, where they have been a touch inconsistent.
Despite being reduced to 10men, Celtic had seemed like they would be the first to score before Fortune Makaringe dribbled past a number of the visitors defenders and struck home, to give Bucs the lead two minutes after the hour mark.
The goal ended up being crucial for Bucs, giving them maximum points and moving within three points of leaders Sundowns.
Pirates squandered some good chances in the first half but bythe same token, Celtic could also easily have landed the first blow.
Vincent Pule’s good effort in the seventh minute was unfortunately deflected out of play after some great work by the Pirates winger.
At the other end, John Maduka’s side’s first attempt on goal came in the 20th minute from a set-piece.
But Ndumiso Mabena, who normally takes them well, didn’t have luck this time around with his shot giving Richard Ofori no stress.
Pirates had an opportunity with Deon Hotto, but he was unlucky to see his acrobatic effort not find the back of the net in the 39th minute.
Just before half-time, Celtic striker Mabena was sent off for an early shower after a studs-up tackle on Linda Mtambo.
In the second half, the Free State-based outfit had their first real opportunity to score in the 50th minute, but Victor Letsoalo was denied by Ofori.
Eight minutes later, Phunya Sele Sele came close to taking the lead, but Ofori was on top of his game with a great save.
* Moroka Swallows suffered their first league defeat of the season when they went down 2-1 to TS Galaxy and Maritzburg United gained a much-needed 1-0 win over Black Leopards last night in a basement battle.