Dynamos beat Pirates in Ubuntu Calabash match

By Mxolisi Ncube

Zimbabwe’s Dynamos won the Ubuntu Calabash match beating an Orlando Pirates developmental side 1-0 at the Rand Stadium on Saturday. Veteran striker Murape Murape scored the only goal of the match in the 49th minute, when he dribbled past two Pirates defenders to let loose from just outside the 18-yard area.

The Harare giants fielded a largely full-strength team but failed to stamp their dominance against a Pirates side featuring youngsters, resulting in a 0-0 first half and an otherwise evenly-balanced second half.

With more precision in the second half, Pirates could have snatched a 2-1 win, but missed two glaring chances and resultantly, Murape’s goal ensured that the Zimbabwean side went home the winners. Pirates’ developmental coach Augusto Palacios said after the match that he was pleased with his boys’ performance, adding that the match gave them the much-needed exposure.

“It was a good game and with more luck, we could have drawn or won the game, but I am happy that my boys had a chance to gain some high-level experience,” said Palacios.

“Dynamos are a very much respected team in Zimbabwe and have a big record in Africa, so losing 1-0 to them with these youngsters is not a bad thing at all because that result is not even a true reflection of the evenly-balanced match. It is also not the result that counts in this match, but the good cause that we were a part of.”

His Dynamos counterpart Lloyd Mutasa was also full of praise for the Pirates juniors, adding that they had a bright future ahead.

“I am happy with the win, especially considering that we did not have time to warm-up before the first half due to a late arrival here, but as the game progressed, I think we managed to show our mettle,” said Mutasa.

“I would also like to congratulate Pirates for the brilliant youngsters they have in their ranks because these boys are really talented and well-groomed. It shows that the coaches are really doing a great job and this really signals a good future for Orlando Pirates.”

The Ubuntu Calabash – introduced last year, is an annual event organized by Johannesburg-based humanitarian organization – the Southern Africa Women’s Institute for Migration Affairs (SAWIMA), in partnership with Show Me Your Number (SMYN), Migrants Community Board (MCB) and the Gauteng Department of Sport.

Its main aim is to fight xenophobia and spread the spirit of one-ness among Africans, especially those living in South Africa. Former top PSL footballers Edelbert Dinha and Thabang Lebese have, through SMYN, been roped into the initiative as ambassadors. Kick Off