Maybe, just maybe, Orlando Pirates have reignited the title conversation again. This follows their impressive 2-1 win over runaway leaders Mamelodi Sundowns at the FNB Stadium on Sunday.
It was Relebohile Mofokeng’s two first half goals in quick succession, 10 minutes into the game, that separated the Betway Premiership leaders from the chasers.
The big result means that the Buccaneers are now 15 points behind Masandawana with four games in hand.
In what was a game that was dubbed as a championship decider on a gloomy Sunday afternoon, Pirates stepped up to the plate and made sure that the title conversation continued.
The battle between the two had started even before kick-off. A bit of a squabble in the stands – fans quarrelling about the “centre line” view.
The unnecessary wrangle was eventually resolved with the intervention of Pirates stadium announcer. And the delayed game finally got underway.
Mofokeng was making headlines on the eve of the colossal match because of a dip in his form. However, backed by national team coach Hugo Broos, Mofokeng could not have asked for a better game to announce his comeback, and claim a spot on the scoresheet.
One could argue that his new haircut did the trick for the wonderkid.
Playing home yet away from home, Pirates were dominant for most of the first half. And going into the break a comfortable 2-0 was indicative of this.
It must be said, though, that the slippery turf was not friendly at all. Players kept on falling like toddlers learning to walk.
The second half, however, was a different ball game altogether. Coach Miguel Cardoso’s troops came out guns blazing and were all over the Sea Robbers like a rash.
Their persistence paid off in the 66th minute. Khuliso Mudau pierced the Pirates last line of defence for an easy tap in to rouse a relatively quiet crowd.
Sundowns pushed and pushed until the last minute on a mission to steal a point. But it was not meant to be as coach Jose Riveiro steered the Pirates ship to safe waters.
