Orlando Pirates finally returned to winning ways in the DStv Premiership after a narrow 1-0 victory over Sekhukhune United at the Orlando Stadium on Tuesday night.
Pirates have now moved up to number nine on the log standings with 12 points, while Sekhukhune dropped to position 13 with 11 points.
Both teams went into the game looking to bounce back after crashing out of the Carling Black Label Knockout at the weekend.
Pirates were stunned by Richards Bay, while Sekhukhune got eliminated by TS Galaxy – both teams were knocked out via penalty kicks.
Coach Brandon Truter was a notable absentee in the dugout for Sekhukhune after being sacked, following a string of poor results. McDonald Makhubedu was on the touchline and has since taken over the reins on an interim basis.
The first half was a game of not so many chances, but both teams had goal scoring opportunities that could have easily taken them to half-time with a lead.
The second half was much better, at least for the home side, as they showed more desire offensively. Moments after the break, Pirates captain of the day Nkosinathi Sibisi got himself in a good position on the opposition’s half, when Thembinkosi Lorch set him up with a lovely cross but his header from point blank range went wide off the post.
Bucs coach Jose Riveiro was sensing that a goal would come and made some attacking changes, which saw Katlego Otladisa, Vincent Pule and Relebohile Mofokeng coming on.
The Buccaneers were banging on the door and their patience and perseverance against a stubborn Babina Noko defence paid off in the 80th minute, when Riveiro’s substitutes combined well to set up defender Thabiso Monyane in the far post, who made no mistake and slotted the ball in to help the Bucs walk away with maximum points ahead of the Soweto derby against Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday.
