Orlando Pirates beat Moroka Swallows
Posted: 6 April 2011 Time: 22:06
Orlando Pirates are back on top of the League standings after a 2-0 win against Moroka Swallows on Wednesday evening.
Dikgang Mabalane continued his impressive return from long-term injury by scoring both goals early in the match.
With Ajax Cape Town and Mamelodi Sundowns drawing 4-4 in Atteridgeville, Bucs took full advantage of their two title rivals dropping points and now lead the standings on goal-difference ahead of the Urban Warriors.
The Birds, meanwhile, remain in the relegation play-off spot (15th), missing out on the chance to leapfrog Maritzburg United, who were thumped 4-1 by Free State Stars earlier in the day.
Pirates got off to a flyer thanks to the two early goals from Mabalane. The winger had netted a goal in a weekend cup win over United FC, his first appearance after a long injury lay-off, and he continued his form against the Birds, beating Greg Etafia with a well-struck drive from just outside the area.
And seven minutes later the hosts sent their winger free on goal – he coolly waited for Etafia to go to ground before chipping it over the keeper to net his second.
Swallows’ best chance to before the break arrived in the 38th minute when Siyabonga Nomvete fired in a low shot, only for Senzo Meyiwa to make a fine save. Left Tsutsulupa was first to the rebound, but he failed to direct his shot on target.
The second half saw few scoring chances for either team, with Pirates seemingly content to sit on their lead. The Birds’ best effort came from Oscar Machapa in the 74th minute, with the Zimbabwean driving a fierce long-range shot just wide.
Both Thulasizwe Mbuyane and substitute Katlego Mashego had chances to do so in the dying minutes, but they both scooped their shots over the crossbar.
HOME: Orlando Pirates
- 1 Senzo Meyiwa
- 4 Happy Jele
- 6 Robyn Johannes
- 14 Lucky Lekgwathi
- 44 Rooi Mahamutsa
- 5 Andile Jali
- 11 Dikgang Mabalane
84 mins - Katlego E. Mashego - 13 Tlou Segolela
78 mins - Mark Mayambela - 20 Oupa Manyisa
- 20 Thulasizwe Mbuyane
- 45 Chiukepo Msowoya
63 mins - Ndumiso Mabena
AWAY: Swallows FC
- 34 Greg Etafia
- 2 Ramahlwe Mphahlele
- 5 Giorgi Nergadze
- 27 Keegan Ritchie
67 mins - Tshepo Ramokala - 31 Shere Lekgothoane
- 2 Vuyo Mere
- 12 Lefa Tsutsulupa
- 15 Oscar Machapa
- 36 Koketso Mmotong
59 mins - Bradley Ritson - 40 Macbeth Sibaya
- 10 Siyabonga Nomvethe
73 mins - Auguston Leonard
Previous comments on this story...
What I know is that re a shaaaaaaaapaaa rona.
My take is ko team listing, When Kruel makes copies, Mbuyane's name is pre-printed. He even forgets to remove him when he is suspended or injured until reminded by the technical team.
Love my Pirates but hate Kruel and mazinyo.com( Mbuyane)
We let Sunflops occupy it for da 1st half of da season, Ajax 4 abt 2 wks and, wait 4 it, Conducive FC only 92 minutes to occupy it... Lolest
Shapa da Galaxy Shapa...
Not surprising results at all because we predicted it. A win for the only team that has quality and galaxy of stars. What about other teams?
You are right mei broer .... NEVER BET AGAINST A SURE THING ... UP THE BUCS!!!
Mriyo: 2011-04-06 11:45
Bucs wil top da league 2nite on goal deference,sundowns n ajax wil play a draw,chimps wil draw as well while bucs win 2-1 n hence we wil leed by dat one goal.Mriyo the octopus