By Michael Madyira
Monnapule Saleng’s first-half freekick made the difference to fire Orlando Pirates to the MTN8 triumph at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
Saleng stunned Usuthu 25 minutes into the match to hand the Buccaneers their 11th title in this competition.
It was a disappointing evening for AmaZulu who failed to break a long wait for a major trophy as Pirates coach Jose Riveiro claimed his first-ever piece of silverware in his professional career as head tactician.
Despite winning by a slender margin, Pirates reclaimed this trophy from Mamelodi Sundowns who won it last season.
The Soweto giants’ goalkeeper Richard Ofori came back to start in place of Siyabonga Mpontshane as Miguel Timm returned from suspension while captain Innocent Maela could not recover from a hamstring strain and Tapelo Xoki stepped in.
Goodman Mosele was sidelined by injury and that gave a starting opportunity to Ben Motshwari in central midfield.
The Buccaneers coach Jose Riveiro was forced to alter his plans as early as the third minute when Nkosinathi Sibisi got injured.
Left-back Paseka Mako was introduced to occupy the left-back spot as Xoki was moved to central defence.
With the contest 11 minutes old, Thabiso Monyane’s looping shot almost tricked Veli Mothwa but the AmaZulu goalkeeper became alert to tip it over the bar.
Two minutes later, Saleng headed straight at Mothwa off a Monyane cross.
But after the impressive saves, Mothwa was finally beaten when Saleng’s well-struck freekick gave him no chance.
It was then Usuthu’s turn to lose a player to injury when Ramahlwe Mphahlele was pulled out in the 32nd minute for Mbongeni Gumede after suffering a concussion.,
AmaZulu tried to beat the halftime whistle for an equaliser but Ofori did well to deny Riian Hanamu from a well-taken freekick.
Twelve minutes into the second half, AmaZulu almost equalised but Gumede’s headed effort was well collected by Ofori.
Majoro’s introduction looked promising and Pirates survived his strike when he was denied by the crossbar on 64 minutes as Usuthu pressed to come back.
Ofori was back to save a Gumede effort again but this time it was from a freekick.
With five minutes to go, Saleng almost grabbed a brace but drew a save from Mothwa and Pirates went on to hold on with Timm being named Man-of-the-Match.
Image source: @SABCSport
