Bucs outclass Stars
It was Pirates’ second win on the trot after they defeated Mamelodi Sundowns away on Wednesday evening. As for Stars their battle to save their top flight status continues as they are still second from bottom and separated by three points.
Bucs tested Stars keeper Tshepo Motsoeneng with a string of long range efforts and the ‘keeper illustrated he was up to the task with a couple of good saves. In the fourth minute Khethowakhe Masuku unleashed an effort which Motsoeneng parried away.
Mozambican forward Helder Pelembe gave Motsoeneng some food for thought with a strong shot in the 17th minute but the Ea Lla Koto keeper responded with a well-timed save.
The first half wasn’t the most memorable by thought of the imagination and perhaps the hosts saved their energy for the second stanza.
Pirates went in front courtesy of former Stars player Matlaba in the 48th minute when he combined well with Makola and the former finished with ease past Motsoeneng.
Seven minutes later Bucs had their second goal. With the Stars defence all at sea, Pirates turned defence into attack and Makola punished his former side with a cool finish inside the box to make it 2-0 after he had fended off his marker.
Masuku then benefitted from a quick free kick his side took as they tried to take advantage of the slow Stars defence. The winger rattled the woodwork with a thunderbolt shot that had Motsoeneng beaten. But Bucs saw the match out for their ninth league win of the season to go to fifth position on the log.
Orlando Pirates (0) 2 (Matlaba 48’, Makola 55’)
Free State Stars 0
TEAMS
Pirates: Meyiwa, Lekgwathi, Matlaba, Nyauza, Jele, Masuku, Manyisa, Myeni (Ngoma 83’), Ntshumayelo, Makola (Motshegwa 85’), Pelembe (Bacela 89’)
Stars: Motsoeneng; Basie, Ouro-Akoriko, Thebakang; Sambu (Basit 57’), Cardoso, Masehe; Kerspuy; Nomandela, Henyekane (Abraw 46’), Mashego (Venter 74’)
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