Pirates get back to winning ways

Orlando Pirates got back to winning ways after beating Bloemfontein Celtic 1-0 at the Dr Molemela stadium yesterday. Former Celtic midfielder Musa Nyatama was the reason the Free State side finished without any points.

The midfielder registered his first goal for the Buccaneers with a close-range strike thanks to a Thamsanqa Gabuza pass inside the box in the 67th minute.

Just like they had been in previous game, Bucs stared the game on a bright note, putting pressure on their opponents.

The visitors were dealt a huge blow when Luvuyo Memela and Thamsanqa Gabuza were denied penalties in quick succession in the first half.

Celtic midfielder Laneshane Phalane was hoping he could give his team the lead when he attempted a shot from distance, but goalkeeper Jackson Mabokgwane was on his toes and dealt with the situation.

In the 40th minute, midfielder Mpho Makola should have put Pirates one up, but the midfielder’s effort to try and beat another defender saw him lose the ball inside the box.

The Buccaneers continued their dominance in the second half, but couldn’t break through a solid Celtic defence.

It took a moment of brilliance for Pirates to take the lead when Nyatama started a move from outside the area before putting Bucs in front in the 63rd minute with a low shot inside the box.

Phalane once again tried to test Mabokgwane from a freekick, but to no avail.

Veselin Julisic’s charges made several attempts to come back into the game, but their efforts were fruitless, leaving Bucs to deservedly come away with three points.

The win for Pirates saw the Soweto giants end their six-game run without a win, and now find themselves occupying second spot at the top of the Absa Premiership table with 18 points after 12 games, displacing Baroka.

Celtic, meanwhile, have dropped to eighth with 16 points after 11 games.