Pirates move into second

If Orlando Pirates’ performance in their 4-1 Premiership win over AmaZulu at Orlando Stadium on Saturday night is anything to go by, the Buccaneers could be very serious title contenders.

Pirates recovered from going behind to a 17th minute goal from Jabulani Ncubeni to blow Usuthu apart with three goals in the first half, before Ben Motshwari completed an impressive night with an 84th minute strike.

The victory sees the Sea Robbers moving up second on the table, just two points behind pace-setters Bidvest Wits.

Pirates had not been at their best coming into this one, without a win in six matches in all competitions.

But they were to produce some breathtaking football in Soweto, with the outstanding Thembinkosi Lorch at the forefront of their most scintillating attacking forays.

In what was a high tempo encounter throughout, AmaZulu coach Cavin Johnson would have been hopeful of having a good evening after Ncubeni slotted home a clinical first-time shot following a free-flowing counter attack, and a clever through ball from Michael Morton.

But just four minutes later Kudakwashe Mahachi bundled in the equaliser after the most delightful of back-heels from Lorch had set up Vincent Pule free down the right, from where he provided a killer assist.

Johnson then watched on as some sloppy play from his side in the 41st minute saw possession turned over, before Justin Shonga’s square ball picked out Luvuyo Memela, who from 10-yards out, took a touch and then coolly passed it into the net.

Bucs were now in rampant mood and added more salt to AmaZulu’s wounds in the 45th minute when Lorch sprinted free down the right, beat his man and then played in an inch-perfect cross for Shonga to put into the net.

AmaZulu did have their occasional chances; and had Bongi Ntuli been more clinical either side of the half time break; the Durban team could perhaps have found a way back into the game.

In contrast, Pirates continued to dish out some mouth-watering football after the restart, and they could have added more goals as Marshall Munetsi went close with a volley before Lorch showed some wonderful skill to beat Tapelo Nyongo, but just couldn’t get his volley on target.

There was, however, still to be an icing-on-the-cake moment on a near-perfect night for the euphoric home fans when Motshwari pounced on a loose ball in and smashed a perfectly-timed volley into the top corner. – The Citizen