SuperSport stun Bucs
Daniels’ header a hammer blow to Bucs’ title hopes
Orlando Pirates lost more ground in the title race after suffering a 1-0 defeat at the hands of SuperSport United at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit last night. While the win moves SuperSport to fourth spot on the table, Pirates’ title ambitions took a huge knock. A thumping header by Clayton Daniels after Aubrey Modiba’s corner kick five minutes after the hour mark clinched it for Matsatsantsa.
The Sea Robbers were awarded a penalty in the 76th minute after Evans Rusike was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the box, but Bucs captain Happy Jele couldn’t beat Ronwen Williams from the spot. SuperSport were superior to Pirates in the first half in terms of creating chances and combination play. The versatile Modiba was often at the heart of Matsatsantsa’s slick passing game, exploiting spaces left by Bucs left-back Innocent Maela on the flank. Starting with three natural strikers in Mxolisi Macuphu, Rusike and Bradley Grobler also gave SuperSport firepower upfront.
But a somewhat rejuvenated Wayne Sandilands was at his best in goal for Pirates, pulling off a number of world-class saves. He was the reason the first stanza ended goalless. Young Jamie Webber, replacing suspended midfield dynamo Teboho Mokoena, dictated terms in midfield for SuperSport, with the help of his skipper Dean Furman. The 21-year-old won the midfield battle against the experienced Pirates trio of Xola Mlambo, Musa Nyatama and Ben Motshwari with aplomb. Pirates’ best chance of the first period fell to Motshwari, but the former Bidvest Wits workhorse hesitated to take the first-time shot and ended being foiled by Daniels. After being dominated in the first half, the visitors got their act together in the second period.
Pirates started to win more first balls, especially Nyatama, who used his skill to unlock the stubborn SuperSport defence.
Just when Bucs were hoping that their supremacy would pay off, SuperSport came from nowhere to break the deadlock as Daniels rose highest to thump home a brilliantly delivered corner kick by Modiba. SuperSport return to their original home ground, Lucas Moripe Stadium, to host struggling Baroka on Saturday. Bucs hope to redeem themselves as they host AmaZulu at Orlando Stadium on the same day.