Orlando Pirates returned to winning ways ahead of the Soweto Derby after defeating Sekhukhune United 1-0 on Tuesday evening.
DStv Premiership
Result: Orlando Pirates 1-0 Sekhukhune United
Date: 07 November 2023
Venue: Orlando Stadium
The Buccaneers reshuffled the side that lost to Richards Bay on penalties in the Carling Knockout, as Thabiso Monyane, Olisa Ndah, Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo, Karim Kimvuidi and Thabang Monare were all brought back.
Sekhukhune, meanwhile, were without Brandon Truter on the bench, as MacDonald Makhubedu was named as a head coach.
The hosts had a lively start, combining quickly high up the pitch but they nearly went behind on 14 minutes from a counter-attack after Chibuike Ohizu fired his shot wide from a good cross by Jamie Webber.
Jose Riveiro's charges continued to pin Sekhukhune back in their own half but they were not creating chances.
However, Thabiso Monyane had a good chance for Pirates eight minutes before the break after he was allowed space to shoot in the box but his shot was deflected just wide.
Pirates came back from the break with the same attacking energy but only came close to breaking the deadlock on the hour-mark after Nkosinathi Sibisi flicked a header in the box narrowly wide.
Riveiro looked to effect the game with a double attacking change in the last 20 minutes, as Vincent Pule and Relebohile Mofokeng both replaced Evidence Makgopa and Patrick Maswanganyi.
The changes had the desired effect for Pirates, as Monyane finally broke the deadlock 11 minutes before time with a side-footed half-volley at the near post against the run of play.
The Buccaneers slowed down the tempo of the game in the dying minutes and held on to their first win in five league matches.
Here's how they lined up:
Orlando Pirates: 35. Buthelezi, 5. Sibisi, 49. Ndah, 2. Monyane, 7. Hotto, 8. Monare, 15. Ndlondlo, 28. Maswanganiyi, 3. Lorch, 25. Kimvuidi, 17. Makgopa
Sub: 31. Ofori, 27. Pule, 38. Mofokeng, 9. Eva Nga, 27. Xoki, 26. Shandu, 14. Saleng, 12. Otladisa, 4. Timm
Sekhukhune United: 30. Sangare, 2. Mobbie, 3. Mabotja, 4. Cardoso, 39. Gyimah, 12. Mokotjo, 17. Mokwana, 17. Webber, 34. Ohizu, 15. Mkhize, 24. Sithole
Subs: 32. Mtsweni, 27. Mkhabela, 36. Ntiya-Ntiya, 5. Baartman, 35. Mahlangu, 6. Mtshali, 21. Thutlwa, 40. Mosadi, 26. Mokhele
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