Mabasa’s double gives JZ a breather
Bucs sink Leopards deeper into abyss
Tshegofatso Mabasa’s secondhalf brace coupled with a single goal by substitute Gabadinho Mhango inspired a secondstring Orlando Pirates side to a 3-0 victory over Black Leopards, who are now firm automatic relegation candidates, at Orlando Stadium yesterday.
Pirates were unfortunate to head into the halftime break without a goal after a dominant first stanza. Abel Mabaso and Nkanyiso Zungu bossed the midfield, allowing the hosts to enjoy more ball possession. The duo won almost every second ball and helped in transition.
The Buccaneers’ dominance was also enhanced by their adventurous full-backs Wayde Jooste and Bongani Sam on the right and left flank respectively.
Jooste and Sam tirelessly whipped enterprising cross into the box, however, lone striker Mabasa couldn’t make use of those long balls. In most cases, it was indecisiveness that let Mabasa down.
At the other end, Leopards struggled to string together passes and resorted to taking long-range shots, a thing that didn’t unsettle Pirates keeper Wayne Sandilands.
Leopards’ keeper Jonas Mendez made a number of impressive saves in the first half, denying the likes of Dlamini and Zungu to keep the scoreline even at halftime.
The second half got off to a flying start as Pirates broke the deadlock via Mabasa just two minutes after the restart. He tapped in a brilliant low, driven cross from Jooste. Twenty minutes later Mabasa completed his brace with an easy finish from another Jooste cross.
Pirates coach Josef Zinnbauer gave players like Zungu, Jooste, Bongani Sam, Kabelo Dlamini, Mabasa and Kabelo Dlamini rare starts. Zungu occupied the spot that is usually filled by Ben Motshwari, who was on the bench.
Ntsikelelo Nyauza’s suspension meant Jooste started the game. Sam started in the leftback position that Paseka Mako has made his own, while the absence of injured Vincent Pule afforded Dlamini a rare opportunity in the starting XI.
Leopards made one change to the line-up that came from a goal down to beat provincial rivals and fellow basement side Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila on Saturday. Wiseman Maluleke was replaced by Donald Makgetlwa.