By Michael Madyira
Evidence Makgopa rose from the bench to grab a brace as Orlando Pirates beat Polokwane City 3-0 in a Premier Soccer League showdown at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday.
After Monnapule Saleng opened the scoring for Pirates 10 minutes into the second half, Makgopa followed up by striking with five minutes remaining before sealing his double in stoppage time.
It was the Buccaneers’ second consecutive league victory this season, while Polokwane City’s two-match winning run came to a halt.
After slight changes in the CAF Champions League, Pirates coach Jose Riveiro brought Relebohile Mofikeng and Thalente Mbatha back into the first XI.
Angolan forward Gilberto and central Makhehlene Makhaula were both dropped from the lineup.
It was an afternoon for the Buccaneers to worry about Polokwane City winger Oswin Appollis, Bafana Bafana fringe player Thabang Matuludi, and veteran midfielder Cole Alexander, who all started for the visitors.
However, Riveiro’s men could not be upset at home, although it was a difficult encounter for them, especially in the first half.
After 22 minutes, Pirates thought they deserved a penalty when Polokwane City defender Tlou Nkwe handled inside the box, but his hand was anchored to the ground when Saleng hit the ball.
It was an opening half of a few chances, and Kabelo Dlamini saw his curler go over the bar before the breather.
Then, 10 minutes into the second half, Saleng made a turn-and-shoot into the roof to break the deadlock.
The visitors tried to hit back but Appollis’ powerful shot went just wide with minutes to go.
Two minutes after being introduced, Makgopa walked into a goal, pouncing on a loose ball after Polokwane City goalkeeper Manuel Sapunga could not catch a powerful shot from Karim Kimvuidi.
Makgopa then struck against, this time intercepting a Thabang Matuludi backpass which Sapunga failed to clear to safety to hand the Buccaneers maximum points.
Pictured above: Orlando Pirates celebrate Evidence Makgopa’s goal against Polokwane City.
Source: Orlando Pirates
