By Michael Madyira
Orlando Pirates’s quest to play continental football next season received a boost after Saturday’s 2-0 Premier Soccer League victory over Marumo Gallants at Royal Bafokeng Stadium.
Two goals in either half from Monnapule Saleng and Ndabayithethwa Ndlonldo fired Pirates to three league wins in a row for the first time this season.
Saleng broke the deadlock in the 36th minute, before Ndlondlo’s penalty at the 68th minute sealed victory for the Buccaneers.
Although they remained fourth on the table, Pirates keep a close chase of SuperSport United and Richards Bay, who are above them as they seek to return to continental football next season.
But it was a difficult outing for basement side Gallants who have not tasted victory in their last eight outings and Saturday’s result was their ninth defeat this term.
Bahlabani ba Ntwa are now three points below 15th-placed Swallows FC who drew 0-0 with SuperSport earlier on in the day.
Pirates coach Jose Riveiro made two changes as Terrence Dzvukamanja made his first start of the season while captain Innocent Maela was surprisingly benched.
Riveiro’s opposite number Dan Malesela made four changes including starting goalkeeper Ismail Watenga ahead of Washington Arubi.
Early into the contest, Pirates’ Deon Hotto made a threatening advance towards goal after sensationally eliminating Sibusiso Khumalo but was stopped in his tracks by Ivorian defender Ismael Toure.
After 22 minutes, Hotto then set up Ndlondlo who tried from long range, the way he struck his goal against Stellenbosch last weekend, but the diminutive midfielder was let down by his execution.
Soon after, Kabelo Dlamini came close with a freekick that went just wide.
Saleng then thrust Pirates ahead after some nice work from Dzvukamanja from the right side.
Gallants tried to respond but Sipho Chaine did well to save Katlego Otladisa’s attempt and another one from Lucky Mohomi early into the second half.
Pirates then extended their lead after Bandile Shandu was fouled by Mahlatse Makudubela and up-stepped Ndlondlo to beat Watenga but he did not celebrate after hurting his former club.
Gallants’ had some promising situations but could not capitalise on them, leaving a section of their fans enraged to the extent of storming the pitch to confront Malesela live on television during his post-match interview.
Pictured above: Orlando Pirates taking on Marumo Gallants
Image source: Marumo Gallants
