Pirates Keep League Title Hopes Alive As They Beat Polokwane

Orlando Pirates have completed the double over Polokwane City following a crucial 1-0 victory in a Betway Premiership encounter at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday afternoon, thanks to a solitary goal from defender Nkosinathi Sibisi.

It was the first match for the Soweto giants since Jose Riveiro announced his shock departure from the club at the end of the season, setting the tone for a countdown of the Spanish mentor’s exit with the business end of the season slowly approaching.

The hosts looked to quickly settle into the match with a swift counterattack, forcing Sipho Chaine into making a fantastic save in the third minute, but the move was eventually adjudged offside by the nearside official.

Five minutes later, Relebohile Mofokeng called the Rise and Shine shot-stopper into action after cutting in from the left flank with Brian Okoth equal to the task. Almost immediately at the other end, Oswin Appollis unleashed an effort from range to once again ask Chaine questions.

Mohau Nkota launched an inviting defense-splitting ball into the box, which was deflected wide by Mofokeng, who didn’t anticipate the ball to land on his feet in the 21st minute. 

The 20-year-old speedy Nkota linked up with Evidence Makgopa for a burst of pace on the right wing in the 27th minute, but his low drilled cross was cleared by Langelihle Ndlovu.

Shortly, City was keen to catch the visitors on the counter with Bongikosi Dlamini unleashing his pace to surge into the Pirates’ box but was stopped in his tracks by Deano Van Rooyen. 

With 10 minutes left until half time, Thalente Mbatha fired his trademark shot, forcing Okoth into making a save for a goalless first half.

Phuthi Mohafe’s men came close to breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute after Mokibelo Ramabu headed towards the goal from a corner kick, but Makgopa used his height to great effect, heading away the threat before it could reach Chaine.

Desperately looking to open the scoring, Riveiro introduced fresh firepower in his arsenal with the withdrawal of Mbatha and Makgopa for Kabelo Dlamini and Tshegofatso Mabasa, respectively, on the hour mark.

The Buccaneers got the breakthrough in the 67th minute via Nkosinathi Sibisi, who netted his second Betway Premiership goal of the season after the Rise and Shine goalminder misjudged the ball from Dlamini’s free-kick, spilling it for the on-rushing center-back to slot home.

Following the introductions of Tapelo Xoki and Deon Hotto for Patrick Maswanganyi and Nkota, Pirates held firm to walk away with maximum points. The Sea Robbers have accumulated 46 points – 12 behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns with three games in hand.