Monyane strikes late as Pirates get back to winning ways

Orlando Pirates’ fighting spirit and persistence saw them end their four game winless run after edging Sekhukhune United 1-0 in a DStv Premiership tie at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday.

Thabiso Monyane scored late in the game to give the Buccaneers the all important win, which will be a big morale-booster for the team ahead of their highly anticipated Soweto derby against rivals Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on Saturday.

Before the Sekhukhune match, the Sea Robbers last won a game when they beat Cape Town Spurs 2-0 in mid-October in the Carling Knockout last 16. A league defeat to Spurs and a Carling Knockout exit at the hands of Richards Bay had raised concerns about where Pirates’ season was going.

This victory, only their third league win of the campaign, at least lifts Pirates a little up the Premiership. table,

The opening half of the match barely had clear-cut opportunities for either side, but there were some promising moments which could have seen a goal or two being scored.

Pirates had more chances, with the home side enjoying plenty of possession. However, like it has been in many of their recentgames, they were not getting things right in the final third.

Attacking midfielder Patrick Maswanganyi had a good attempt in the 11^th minute, but his shot was deflected out for a corner..

Sekhukhune also got a good chances to test Melusi Buthelezi in the Buccaneers goal after some good footwork by Kamohelo Sithole, but the Pirates shot-stopper made a comfortable save in the 21^st minute.

The half-hour mark came with the two sides still unable to break the deadlock.

Pirates midfielder Karim Kimvuidi delivered an inviting cross in the 31^st minute looking for Evidence Makgopa, but it was too close to Babina Noko’s goalkeeper Badra Sangare. The game went on into the break goalless.

Monyane makes the difference

In the second half half, the two teams continued to struggle to get a breakthrough. In the 61st minute after Nkosinathi Sibisi’s header from a Thembinkosi Lorch cross went just wide of Sangare’s goal before Monyane saw his shot from inside the box being saved by the Ivorian goalkeeper.

Time was running out for the teams, and Pirates made a few changes, including bringing on winger Vincent Pule.

The changes for the Buccaneers came in handy and they were rewarded with a goal thanks to Monyane’s strike in the 79^th to help side walk away with maximum points.