SEDIBENG – Chippa United left the Isak Steyl Stadium in Vanderbijlpark empty-handed.

This was after they suffered a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Orlando Pirates in the DSTV Diski Challenge on Saturday. This encounter went to halftime with no goals. However, things changed in the second half as Orlando Pirates came up with a better plan on how to break up the stubborn United’s defense.

It was attack after attack but the story of the day was the missed golden opportunities and a goalkeeper to beat.

Pirates coach Joseph Makhanya kicked his heels in frustration on the touchline as his side continued to miss clear scoring opportunities. Eventually, Pirates broke the deadlock after some fancy footwork, much to the delight of the handful of supporters on the stand. The home team enjoyed the freedom of Isak Steyl Stadium and toyed around with their opponents, which was highly applauded by their supporters. United could have equalised before Pirates increased their lead but a rush of blood on their striker saw him missing what seemed to be a clear-cut goal.
How he missed that one, no one knows.

The goal was written all over it.

Pirates gained momentum when they scored two goals in a short space of 10 minutes to make the final score 3-0. The third goal was a masterpiece after their striker bulldozed United’s defense before he passed over to his teammates who finished easily. Makhanya ran to celebrate with the goal scorers on the far side of the field and earned himself a yellow card for leaving his technical area

Speaking after the game, Makhanya said it was a great victory for his side to close the gap at the top. The young Buccaneers are fourth on the log. “I’m happy that at least we managed to score three goals even though I think we could have done better,” said Makhanya.