Pirates win opening game
19 August, 2017
Orlando Pirates have registered a 1-0 victory in their opening match of the season.
A goal in the 37th minute by Thamsanqa Gabazua was enough to help the Mighty Buccaneers see off Chippa United and kick off their 2017/18 Absa Premiership season on a winning note.
The match kicked off with the home team dominating the opening minutes of the game and almost went a goal up as early as the 7th minute when Musa Nyatama played Mpho Makola on goal for Brighton Mhlongo (who is currently on loan), thwarted the goal bound shot.
The visitors were gifted a chance in the 31st minute when Sekola pounced on Thamsanqa Sangweni's sloppy pass, but Wayne Sandilands rushed off his line to deny the striker.
Teams went into the break with Pirates holding on to their one goal advantage.
The visitors rang changes in the second stanza with head coach Dan Malisela, choosing to bring on Abel Mabaso for Kurt Lentjies. Later on in the match the Bucs legend would bring on Mark Mayambela for Menzi Masuku. These changes bought United back into the game with Mayambela pulling the strings in midfield.
However, for all the questions that Mayambela and company would ask of the new look Pirates defensive pairing of Gladwyn Shitolo and Ntsikelelo Nyauza. The duo – who were assisted on the flanks by Thabo Matlaba and Innocent Maela were on hand to provide answers and keep the visitors at bay.
Line Ups
- Orlando Pirates: Sandilands, Shitolo, Nyauza, Matlaba, Maela, Mobara, Sangweni, Makola (Sarr 84'), Qalinge, Nyatama (Memela 62'), Gabuza (Ndoro 77').
- Subs: Mabokgwane, Chabalala, Dube, Nkosi.
- Chippa United: Mhlongo, Mako, Thopola, Okwuosa, Mdinzo, Zuke, Lentjies (Mabaso 51'), Masuku (Mayambela 67'), Macheke, Sekola, Mbenyane.
- Subs: Dlamini, Mbokoma, Bergman, Mashego, Maphanga.
