Orlando Pirates battled through rainy conditions to secure a hard-fought 1–0 victory over the University of Johannesburg at Marks Park Sports Club on March 6 in the ABC Motsepe League.
The Buccaneers arrived determined to respond after suffering a 2–0 defeat to the Orange Army on November 25. In wet conditions, which made play tricky at times, the visitors managed to edge the contest and claim all three points.
Pirates started on the front foot, forcing UJ’s defence to stay alert. Their early pressure paid off when striker Nickolas Mnqiniso broke the deadlock, giving the visitors the lead. UJ quickly regrouped and looked for a way back into the match.
Ntokozo Mathobela, operating between central midfield and an attacking role, stood out for UJ as he tried to control the tempo and create openings, however the front line could not convert the chances.
Pirates had an opportunity to double their lead when Puleng Bapela pounced on a misplaced pass in the UJ defence. The midfielder found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper but sent his attempt wide.
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Mathobela later came close for UJ, but his effort sailed over the Pirates goalkeeper as UJ pushed for an equaliser before halftime. After the break, Mnqiniso threatened again with a curling effort that forced the UJ goalkeeper into a save, conceding a corner.
UJ responded through left-back Siphiwe Manana, whose shot drifted wide of the target.
Despite sustained effort from the Orange Army, Pirates held their ground in the rain and saw out the match to secure a narrow but important victory.
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