Late Goals From Maswanganyi And Mofokeng Seal Pirates’ Pre-Season Win

Star attackers Patrick Maswanganyi and Relebohile Mofokeng netted two late goals, as Orlando Pirates concluded their pre-season camp in Spain with a victory over Granada at the Marbella Football Center on Saturday.

Pirates’ first goal came when Nkosikhona Ndaba’s cross was deflected into the path of Maswanganyi, who finished easily from close range. Mofokeng then sealed the win in the dying minutes, expertly rounding goalkeeper Ander Astralaga before slotting the ball into an empty net.

Mofokeng’s clinical finish showcased precisely why he’s attracting attention from major clubs like PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands and Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia, the latter of whom recently signed Mohau Nkota.

This win marks a positive end to a mixed pre-season for Pirates. They previously lost 2-0 to Bolton Wanderers in their opening match, drew 1-1 with Pafos, and played out a goalless draw against Las Palmas on Thursday, a game in which they were reduced to ten men after Sipho Chaine was sent off.

In a match with limited clear-cut opportunities, Mbekezeli Mbokazi combined well with Karim Kimvuidi. Mbokazi, the team’s captain for the game, broke through with only the goalkeeper to beat and an option to pass to Boitumelo Radiopane, but his shot ultimately went wide.

Before halftime, Sipho Chaine made a crucial save for Pirates, denying Pedro Aleman from a Granada cutback, with the Bafana Bafana goalkeeper showing excellent focus to keep the ball out.

Pirates intensified their pressure in the second half following a series of substitutions, including the introduction of Mofokeng. Mofokeng, who was the only Pirates player to have scored in the pre-season camp prior to this game, was denied from close range for what would have been his second goal of the camp by Ander Astralaga. Astralaga had replaced Luca Zidane, son of legendary footballer Zinedine Zidane, in goal.

Kabelo Dlamini had the best chance for Pirates in the 76th minute, finding himself clean through with only the goalkeeper to beat from close range. However, Astralaga spread his body wide to make a crucial save, forcing Dlamini to try and lift the ball over the sprawling keeper.

Finally, the breakthrough arrived in the 80th minute when Maswanganyi, unchecked, fired past Astralaga to score what was Pirates’ second goal of the pre-season camp. Mofokeng, a strong contender for the PSL Footballer of the Season award, then added the second goal of the night for himself, and his second of the tour, ensuring a high-note finish to the tour for the Soweto Giants.