Bucs Move To The Top

13 February 2013

ABSA Premiership

Result: Pirates 1-0 SuperSport

Date: 13 February 2013

Venue: Orlando Stadium

Orlando Pirates climbed to the top of the league table with a hard-fought 1-0 win over SuperSport United on Wednesday night.

The Sea Robbers enjoyed a blistering start to the game when Collins Mbesuma flicked the ball into the path of the on-rushing Oupa Manyisa who then slid his finish past the goalkeeper.

Lucky Lekgwathi then had to make a solid tackle to take the ball off the toe of SuperSport newboy Simba Sithole before Thabo September lashed a shot well wide.

Daine Klate missed a glorious chance in the 10th minute when a throw-in was headed on by Davis Nkausu but it fell for Klate who proceeded to volley over from close range.

Thabo Matlaba was taking no nonsense at the back and pulled off another sublime tackle to take the ball away from Sithole while Klate sent his shot straight into the arms of Ronwen Williams.

Senzo Meyiwa dropped a cross in the 24th minute but showed quick reactions to charge down the ball and take a hold of it on the second attempt.

There was a heart-stopping moment for Edwin Gyimah when he went for a vicious bicycle kick which left Klate clutching his head, but the referee produced yellow and replays showed that there was no contact.

Matsatsantsa were bombing high balls into the area as Pirates looked vulnerable but the Bucs defenders did enough to ensure that they went into the break with the lead.

Sithole had the first real chance of the second-half but failed to make the most of it when he was found free at the far post as he headed over the crossbar when he should have done better.

Sifiso Myeni then wasted a glorious chance at the other end when he beat his man after a swift counter but fired wide of the upright.

Controversy struck in the 73rd minute when Davis Nkausu was penalised for a tackle on Klate and the referee pointed to the spot - although replays showed that the contact occurred outside the area. Justice was served for the SuperSport fans though as a casual penalty from Andile Jali was easily saved by Williams.

Gyimah went within inches of equalising with three minutes to go as he flicked header at goal but it sailed just wide with the goalkeeper at full stretch.

Tlou Segolela worked Williams in stoppage time but Pirates had already done enough and saw out the remaining minutes to claim the spoils.

Pirates: Senzo Meyiwa, Happy Jele, Thabo Matlaba, Lucky Lekgwathi, Siyabonga Sangweni, Andile Jali, Oupa Manyisa, Onyekachi Okonkwo, Sifiso Myeni, Daine Klate, Collins Mbesuma.

SuperSport: Ronwen Williams, Davis Nkausu, Mor Diouf, Bevan Fransman, Edwin Gyimah, Thabo September, Franklin Cale, Ashley Hartog, Pontsho Moloi, Bradley Grobler, Simba Sithole.

Goals: Oupa Manyisa (Pirates 2')