By Michael Madyira
Rookie midfielder Mohau Nkota struck twice in the first half to help Orlando Pirates edge AmaZulu 2-0 in a Premier Soccer League match at Orlando Stadium on Friday.
The 19-year-old first hit the target on the half-hour mark before sealing his double six minutes later.
Hendrick Ekstein’s stoppage-time goal for Usuthu was not enough to inspire at least a share of spoils.
Crucially for the Buccaneers, they registered a fifth successive PSL win of the season which placed them at the top of the table.
They now have three points more than second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns who could, however, reclaim top spot if they beat Polokwane City on Sunday.
Following the defeat to Pirates, AmaZulu have now gone for four consecutive defeats in the league as well as elimination from the Carling Knockout.
The KwaZulu-Natal side remain at the bottom of the table
Pirates coach Jose Riveiro was on point to start Nkota who repaid him with a brace as the teenager is making himself a key player in his debut PSL season.
He becomes the Soweto giants’ second league revelation in two seasons after Relebohile Mofokeng was always a threat and hit the upright post in the early stages of the first behalf.
After scoring his two goals, Nkota almost grabbed a hat-trick but shot just wide two minutes into the second half.
It was the first time since Excellent Walaza scored a brace in December 2006 for a Pirates 19-year-old to grab a double.
Friday’s result was a statement by Pirates who have now presented their case as serious PSL title contenders.
Pictured above: Orlando Pirates midfielder Mohau Nkota celebrates his goal against AmaZulu, joined by Makhehlene Makhaula and Deon Hotto
Source: PSL
