Pirates Thrash Chippa, Climb To Fifth In Premiership Standings

Orlando Pirates climbed to fifth place in the Betway Premiership standings after a convincing 3-0 victory over Chippa United in front of a large crowd at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Sunday.

The Buccaneers’ goals came from Patrick Maswanganyi (penalty) and Deon Hotto in the first half, while second-half substitute Tshepang Moremi sealed the win.

Chippa’s Coaching Carousel and Nwabali’s Return

Luc Eymael, the former Free State Stars coach, made his debut on the Chippa United bench, becoming the club’s fourth coach in just five matches this season. His appointment follows the dismissals of Sinethemba Badela and Musa Nyatama. Eymael had been in the stands for the midweek loss to Richards Bay, with Morgan Mammila acting as caretaker coach.

The match also saw the return of Nigerian international goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who was substituted in the previous game due to a suspected injury. His return is a welcome sign for the Super Eagles ahead of their crucial FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Bafana Bafana next month.

Pirates started on the front foot, with Maswanganyi opening the scoring in the 10th minute. Nwabali‘s pass was intercepted by Kamogelo Sebelebele, who set up Evidence Makgopa. Makgopa’s flick found Maswanganyi, who slotted the ball past the Nigerian goalkeeper. Nwabali, moments later, redeemed himself with a strong save to deny Maswanganyi a second goal.

Pirates continued their dominance, and Hotto doubled the lead in the 42nd minute with a powerful left-footed shot. Appollis, who was proving to be a handful for the Chippa defense, provided the assist.

The Soweto giants have a strong track record at this venue, having not lost a league game at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in 11 years.

Second Half and a Missed Penalty

Chippa made tactical changes at the start of the second half in an attempt to limit the damage. However, in the 49th minute, a foul on Makgopa by Thabang Malaoa led to a controversial penalty. Referee Moses Kheswa awarded the spot kick despite the foul appearing to be outside the box. Justice was served, however, as Nwabali saved Maswanganyi‘s poorly taken penalty.

Pirates’ third goal came in the 66th minute when Moremi, on for Sebelebele, fired a shot into the bottom corner after another excellent lay-off from Appollis. The Soweto side could have scored more, but Moremi skied a shot wide after being set up by Appollis.

The win was a comfortable one for Pirates, who will now turn their attention to the MTN8 final against Stellenbosch at Mbombela Stadium on 13 September.