Orlando Pirates made a welcome return to Betway Premiership action as they muscled their way through a stiff challenge from Durban City to walk off 2-0 victors in their clash played at Orlando Amstel Arena on Thursday night.
The result pulled the home side three points closer to the summit of the table, marking an empathic return to domestic action after spending the past two weeks focused on their continental ambitions. It took their winning streak in the Premiership to four matches, keeping their standing as one of three teams yet to taste defeat in the league this season.
The Buccaneers were not short of nerves at the start, and their early jitters could have proven costly in the opening exchanges if not for Sipho Chaine’s intervention. Making his 150th appearance in the club’s colours, the shot-stopper was the difference between the home side and an early deficit as he stuck out a foot following some defensive miscommunication, eventually denying Tylo Sanger in a one-on-one situation.
Failure to find rhythm early on prevented the hosts from sparking some early chances amid an aggressive start from their visitors. Midfielder Simphiwe Masilela had a couple of chances to edge Pirates ahead early on, along with Mthetheleli Mthiyane whose effort from a distance lacked the necessary power needed to trouble goalkeeper Fredrick Asare.
The Ghanaian shot-stopper’s opposite number was meanwhile tasked with more work at the opposite end when striker Jean Lumumba connected with a chip from Brooklyn Poggenpoel, which created another threatening one-on-one.
Having gotten out of a testing opening period still unscathed, the Buccaneers sought to pull their noses ahead early in the second half. They nearly did so in the 50th minute through Kamogelo Sebelebele, whose effort from a tight angle was kept out by Asare.
That attack was followed up by an even closer call set up by Kabelo Kgositsile, who linked up with Mbuthuma after doing well to keep the ball in play amid some attention on the byline. His cutback set up a chance for Mbuthuma, who was unable to capitalise as his effort was cleared off the line.
Photo by Happy Modise during the betway premiership between Durban City