Dazzling Orlando Pirates signed off for the year on a high, after a drama-filled 1-0 win over 10-man Magesi FC in their Betway Premiership clash at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane yesterday afternoon.
There was only ever going to be one winner from the time Pirates midfielder Makhehleni Makhaula unleashed a fourth-minute pile-driver from range, forcing Magesi's Zimbabwean goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze to make an acrobatic save.
Pirates ran up a 63% possession as first-half play progressed. They dominated without scoring until the super-talented striker Relebohile Mofokeng intervened in the closing stages of half-time. After he sold the Magesi defence a dummy by feinting a shot on the fringe of the penalty area, he struck a sensational goal with a curling drive.
There was high drama on either side of this score.
Moments earlier, the dashing Pirates winger Mohau Nkota was harshly fouled by Magesi defender Lehlegonolo Mokone deep inside the opposition half. Sikhumbuzo Gasa, last season's PSL Referee of the Year, deservedly gave Mokone a red card. Mokone's teammate, Samuel Darpoh, could not contain his frustration and his verbals cost him a yellow card.
After Mofokeng's goal, Magesi were awarded a penalty in the final minute of the first half, but Magesi's Wonderboy Makhubu did not do his name proud, as his rank-poor spot-kick went wide of the target.
Apart from this effort, Magesi had a gilt-edged scoring chance when Mokone was left unmarked plumb in-front of Pirates' posts, but he skied his effort high over the crossbar.
In the second half, Pirates continued to dominate, and they produced some delightful touches, which drew plenty of reverence from the capacity crowd, but 10-man Magesi bravely held out to prevent further damage.
This gallant effort will do nothing to ease their relegation fears, and they will remain marooned at the bottom of the standings with one win after 10 matches. Pirates – after 10 games – are at the other end of the standings in a lofty second place, and three points behind pacesetters Mamelodi Sundowns (11 games).
Meanwhile, at Chatsworth Stadium in Durban, visitors TS Galaxy ran out 3-1 victors over Royal AM after leading 2-0 at the break. The former Royal AM striker Victor Letsoalo and Dzenan Zajmovic scored Galaxy's first-half goals.
After the break, Royal AM reduced the deficit through a Sedwyn George penalty. However, a few minutes later, Sphiwe Mahlangu restored Galaxy's two-goal via another spot spot.
Down in the Mother City, there was no festive cheer for hosts Cape Town City FC, who went down 1-0 to AmaZulu FC at Cape Town Stadium. Former Kaizer Chiefs attacker Hendrick 'Pule' Ekstein scored AmaZulu’s decisive goal early in the first half. | Independent Media Sport