By Michael Madyira
Orlando Pirates came from behind to secure three points over Chippa United in their Premier Soccer League opening match at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday.
Andile Jali’s spectacular strike 22 minutes into the match broke the deadlock before Pirates hit back through Tshegofatso Mabasa from the penalty spot on 45 minutes.
Monnapule Saleng then grabbed the winner for the Buccaneers in stoppage time for the hosts to claim maximum points and remain unbeaten in seven games across all competitions this season.
It was the perfect start to the season by Pirates who followed in the footsteps of other traditional giants Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns who also won their league openers.
Pirates new signing Deano van Rooyen was making his league debut for the Buccaneers and started at right-back while another new boy, Thuso Moleleki, came on as a second-half substitute.
The visitors had Jali debuting while the likes of Craig Martin and Bienvenu Eva Nga were facing their former team.
Jali lit up the evening with a screamer from outside the box into the top corner, leaving Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine motionless. The veteran midfielder refused to celebrate against his former paymasters.
The Soweto giants then beat the halftime whistle to equalise, thanks to Gadinkame Modise tackling Saleng inside the box, leading to a penalty being awarded.
Up stepped Mabasa who sent Nigeria custodian Stanley Nwabali the wrong way to score on matchday one for the third season in succession
Few chances were witnessed in the second half but notably, Saleng was denied by the woodwork in the 77th minute.
Saleng finally got it right for the Soweto giants, heading a Deon Hotto cross right at the death.
Meanwhile, Stellenbosch FC were stunned 2-0 by Golden Arrows at Athlone Stadium on the same evening.
Siyanda Mthanti opened the scoring for Abafana Bes’thende with 20 minutes remaining before Lungelo Nguse sealed victory in stoppage time from the penalty spot.
It was an ill-disciplined contest with produced seven yellow cards, five coming from the victorious visitors.
Going into this match against the backdrop of six impressive wins this season, Stellnbosch were not themselves and dearly paid for that against a team that was playing their first competitive match of the term.
At Peter Mokaba Stadium, Sekhukhune United edged PSL newboys Magesi 1-0 courtesy of Andy Boyeli’s 44th-minute goal.
Pictured above: Orlando Pirates winger Monnapule Saleng tries to dribble past Chippa United midfielder Andile Jali
Source: Orlando Pirates
