Pirates’ Nkota strikes to take down SuperSport United

Orlando Pirates recorded a narrow 1-0 win over SuperSport United in a Betway Premiership match at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Tuesday night. Mohau Nkota’s solitary strike gave the Buccaneers maximum points in what was a rather dull affair. 

Pirates move up, SuperSport stay in a relegation battle

The win moves Pirates to 59 points with two matches left to play. Meanwhile, Matsatsantsa a Pitori are still embroiled in a relegation play-off battle after 26 matches.

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SuperSport will next play Richards Bay and they still have an outstanding match against Golden Arrows, which was abandoned in February at half timew due to a power failure with the score tied at 1-1.

The first half between Pirates and SuperSport proved to be a low-key affair, with neither side creating clear-cut chances.The best opportunity of the opening 45 minutes fell to Lebohang Maboe, but he blasted his left-footed effort over the bar from inside the box.

Pirates were without the influential Relebohile Mofokeng due to suspension. His absence was felt as the Soweto giants lacked bite in the final third. It was a disjointed performance against a United team that was happy to play without the ball. There was a senior debut for Pirates goalkeeper Siyabonga Dladla, who came in for Sipho Chaine. Coincidentally, Dladla was also celebrating his 24th birthday.

SuperSport shot-stopper Thakasani Mbanjwa came off his line to deny Nkota from a tight angle in the 57th minute. Nkota was set up by Tshegofatso Mabasa, who had dropped deep to collect the ball, but the move was thwarted by an outstretched hand of Mbanjwa.

Kimvuidi class

The introduction of Karim Kimvuidi on the hour mark gave Pirates the impetus they needed. The Congolese midfielder replaced the inefficient Kabelo Dlamini, and it didn’t take long for him to come up with an assist in the 72nd minute.

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Kimvuidi went on a driving run to set up Nkota, who cut back onto his favourite left foot before smashing the ball past Mbanjwa to give Pirates the lead. Nyiko Mobbie’s header hit the upright on the stroke of full-time with Dladla well beaten. It was too little, too late, as Pirates held on for all three points.