Pirates build big advantage
The first leg of the Soweto Derby saw Bucs turn in a superb second-half performance to just about put this MTN8 tie out of the reach of their rivals Kaizer Chiefs. But this is soccer and anything can yet happen
● There was no electric atmosphere. It was quiet in the stands with no fans blowing vuvuzelas for the first time in 50 years. But the Soweto derby between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs lived up to its billing, producing three good goals and breathtaking moves.
Zakhele Lepasa, the scorer of Bucs’ opener at the spiritual home of SA football, grew up in Diepkloof, Soweto, which is not too far from Orlando Stadium and was a staunch supporter of Chiefs.
The 23-year-old striker also scored the penalty that sank Amakhosi in the 2018 Nedbank Cup at the Moses Mabhida Stadium when he played for TS Galaxy.
Left unmarked in the area yesterday, Lepasa beat Daniel Akpeyi in Chiefs’ goal with a thumping header after a great cross from strike partner Terrence Dzvukamanja in the 26th minute.
Vincent Pule further complicated matters for Chiefs when he danced around the area to eliminate Siyabonga Ngezana and Njabulo Bloem before beating Akpeyi with a low strike in the 67th minute.
The rout was completed by man-of-thematch Thembinkosi Lorch eight minutes from time as Bucs again caught Chiefs with a quick counter that endedwith Lorch picking his spot when he found himself with space in the area.
Chiefs will have another go at their rivals in the second leg of this MTN8 semifinal at the FNB Stadium seven days from today.
Pirates might play the second leg without head coach Josef Zinnbauer, who was reported to be heading to Germany after this match to attend to an emergency, which was not explained by either him or his club.
Given the poor results, two 1-1 draws in the DStv Premiership before this huge victory over their archrivals, it may be no surprise if the 50-year-old exits the Bucs hot seat.
Pirates had five players in goalkeeper Richard Ofori, skipper Thulani Hlatshwayo, wingback Wayde Jooste, midfielder Thabang Monare and Dzvukamanja, making their debuts and they acquitted themselves well.
Gavin Hunt had no luxuries of signing new players for Chiefs as the club has been barred from making new acquisitions by Fifa after their signing of Madagascan midfielder Andriamirado Andrianarimanana was deemed irregular.
The Court of Arbitration for Sports in Zurich upheld Fifa’s decision this week to ban Chiefs from signing new players in the current and next transfer window.
Hunt appears to be taking this ban on the chin and it was clear from his starting lineup that he’s looking to younger players to lift the team amid the gloom, with Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, Ngezana and Njabulo Bloem starting ahead of Bernard Parker, Willard Katsande and Eric Mothoho, who sat were alongside other veterans on the bench, including in Chiefs’ regular skipper Itumeleng Khune
Hunt introduced Happy Mashiane for Ngcobo and Parker for Manyama after the hour.
Chiefs’ defeat comes two weeks after another 3-0 loss to the league defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns in the opening league match. Given their challenges in signing new players, this may well signal how Amakhosi will struggle this season.
Chiefs’ defence in yesterday’s match was caught in no man’s land in all the goals they conceded as central defenders Ngezana and Daniel Cardoso failed to build an effective partnership.