VANDERBIJLPARK.- Sekhukhune United walked away with three points when they beat Orlando Pirates 2-1 in the DSTV Diski Challenge match at Isak Steyl Stadium in Vaal on Sunday afternoon.

Despite the scorching sun, both teams played a high-tempo, game with Pirates all over their opponents in the opening minutes of the game. They are themselves to blame for losing this game after being in control for the better part of the first half.

To make matters worse, they missed a penalty with Sekhukhune United’s goalkeeper making a brilliant save to deny Pirates a lead. After they missed the penalty, Pirates could have been in the lead again after a wonderful cross from the right but their forward men misdirected it into the net.

When everyone thought United was dead and buried, they took the lead. The game went to half-time with United leading 1-0. In the second half, Pirates came in like a house on fire in search of an equalising goal. However, they were up against stubborn United defenders who were solid at the back. Pirates coach Joseph ‘Duku Duku’ Makhanya was kicking his heels in frustration on the touchline watching in disbelief how his team missed clear-cut chances.

For a moment he looked relaxed in the opening minutes of the game, but started to show frustration when his team continued to miss chances that they could have converted them into goals. Makhanya was very disappointed at the end of the game. He felt his team could have won this game if they had taken their chances including a penalty.

“We were in control of the game and the first 10 minutes we could have up with two goals but you saw for yourself that decision-making was our biggest downfall. We needed to put the ball at the back of the net but we made our lives so difficult. We will go back to training and emphasise things that can help to make us the better team on the day,” he told Sedibeng Ster Sport.