Ace’s JuJu sinks frigid Pirates

THULASIZWE “Juju” Mbuyane produced the goal against his old team 10 minutes from the end that sunk a frigid Orlando Pirates in last night's Absa Premiership game at Orlando Stadium.

Aces were far the more energetic and inventive side in attack, and worked their socks off for a deserved victory. Clive Barker's team went into fifth place, level on points with Bucs (37), having played one more game, though Pirates remain in fourth on goal difference.

The match was played in a chilly and breezy Orlando, including a second-half storm.

Siyabonga Sangweni made a return from long-term injury, starting ahead of Lucky Lekgwathi as Pirates' captain. Fatau Dauda in goal and Ntsikelelo Nyauza at right-back came in for the suspended Senzo Meyiwa and Happy Jele.

It was a first half for Pirates to forget. Aces had the better of the ideas in attack, with particularly the pace of Zimbabwean striker Tendai Ndoro causing problems for Bucs.

Ndoro hit the left upright in the 13th minute, beating Dauda to Onyekachi Okonkwo's pass across the area.

The striker also held off Sangweni but could not chip past Dauda. Ndoro was through on the left but drove wide from a good position.

Between those chances Mpho Makola's free-kick forced a save from keeper Jackson Mabokgwane in a rare chance for Bucs.

The rain and slippery conditions never helped the game in the second half.

Bucs' best chance came in the 74th when Tlou Segolela beat a defender to have space to run at Aces.

In the 80th, Mbuyane's free kick from the left of the area skidded through a crowded area and sneaked inside Dauda's left upright to sneak the victory.