Stars shine brightest in Mbombela
UNLUCKY AGAIN | Orlando Pirates had to settle for a runners-up position for the third time running as Platinum completed a double
PLATINUM Stars put Orlando Pirates to the sword in the Telkom Knockout with Mogagodi Ngele coming off the bench to bang in two goals that broke the skull and bones.
The Botswana international, who came on midway through the second half, brought parity with a goal that nullified Lucky Lekgwathi’s opener before blasting home a beauty from range that left Senzo Meyiwa clutching at straws in the air.
Pirates players slumped on the pitch as though they had been shot when referee Kulasande Qongqo blew the final whistle. Stars caretaker coach Allan Freese set out on a sprint that would have left Usain Bolt green with envy.
Securing his second cup success by completing a double over the Sea Robbers — Stars beat Pirates in the MTN8 final in September — will surely strengthen Freese’s case to convert the status of his position from caretaker to permanent.
“I’m very happy for the players, the support staff, everybody involved with the club and the people of Bafo- keng,” said Freese.
Bucs appeared to raise themselves better to a match given a sense of history by its timing. The intensity of their vocal support in the stands was a factor too.
But, again in a cup final, a geed-up Pirates could not earn coach Roger De Sa his first silverware at the club.
Bucs captain Lekgwathi scored just before the half-hour and Pirates goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa was barely troubled for most of the match. But a
I’m happy for the players, the staff and everybody involved — Freese
double strike by Ngele in the 78th and 88th minutes stunned the Buccaneers, as Stars remarkably repeated their victory in the MTN8 final against Pirates.
Stars’ success, continuing from being PSL runners-up last season, is based on hard running, tough defending and a huge work rate.
If Bucs are more cultured, they also seemed to realise the value in matching Platinum Stars’ physical game.
But Pirates, impressive as they have been in reaching finals, again could not convert chances.
Stars achieved an unprecedented victory over SA’s big three to win a cup competition, having dispatched Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs in the quarters and semis.
Freese was able to field right-back and captain Vuyo Mere, who had been doubtful.
De Sa welcomed back Happy Jele from suspension, and Rooi Mahamutsa and Oupa Manyisa from injury after his week of rejuvenation for what had been a side appearing to finally show effects of a gruelling campaign in Africa.
Stars had the early upper hand as Robert N’gambi fashioned a shot over the bar and Solomon Mathe mishit from a good position.
But Bucs turned up the volume to match their vocal 12th man in the stands, and Lennox Bacela’s touchon to Jele ran into the path of Sifiso Myeni, with Mere making a desperate clearance.
Mpontshane had to be alert to get in ahead of Klate, and Bacela’s overhead kick was wide as Bucs entered the break in the ascendancy.
They began the second half in the same vein, Myeni playing Klate through on the left with the winger’s ball across goal forcing a touch from Luvolwethu Mpeta that had to be stopped by Mpontshane.
In the end Pirates for silver medals for the third time this season.