Terrence Dzvukamanja’s beautifully struck header in the first half and a late goal by Monnapule Saleng against Richards Bay FC at King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday saw Orlando Pirates move to the second spot in the DStv Premiership table.
Dzvukamanja received a perfect cross from the impressive Kabelo Dlamini to beat goalie Malcolm Jacobs with a low header at the far corner.
But Pirates should have won this game with the bigger margin, but they were profligacy in front of the goals especially Saleng and Thembinkosi Lorch.
However, although those two players’ accuracy let them down, it almost bit Pirates in the backside as Yanelo Mbuthuma’s lob over Sipho Chaine just went wide in the 78th minute.
But Saleng, having been the culprit of the side, slotted home in the added time to see Pirates win 2-0.
The win sees Pirates move to 40 points after 24 matches, one ahead of SuperSport United who they replaced in second spot. This is the position that will provide battle for Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs and Cape Town City respectively.
In front of the capacity crown in Umlazi, the visitors started well with two chances that almost counted for a goal, but Thapelo Xoki blazed a drop ball by Malcolm Jacobs wide in the fifth minute.
Then Saleng lined up a free kick from distance and the ball was pushed away by Jacobs.
However, for third time in the 32st minute, the crowd was jumping for joy. Dlamini delivered a perfect cross and Dzvukamanja’s header rolled into the net.
However, Pirates dropped the tempo in the second half, but still managed to get chances through Saleng when he ran through behind, but was let down by his shooting accuracy.
Lorch was the worse of them all to miss a good chance to score, having turned his marker upside inside the box but again, just like Saleng, hacked the ball over the six yard.
This was the first game for Bay coach Vasili Manousakis after he was given a head coaching role last month, with Pitso Dladla dropping to assistant as they previously shared the role as co-coaches.
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This was a ploy by Bay management to remedy to losing streak the club has had under, with last win coming against Marumo Gallants in January. The loss to Pirates stretches their winless streak to nine matches in all competitions.
Manousakis will be relieved that goalkeeper Salim Magoola will be back from suspension. On the other hand, Pirates coach Jose Riveiro selected Relebogile Ratomo on the bench for the first time this season after his impressive display in the DStv Diski Challenge team for the club, helping Pirates to the top of the log, scoring nine goals in the process. But he remained on the bench.
