Orlando Pirates’ most trusted weapon, Relebohile Mofokeng. Image: Orlando Pirates shared via Facebook.
(The Post News)– Patrick Maswanganyi netted the game-winning penalty in the final seconds in front of a sold-out crowd at FNB Stadium on Saturday to give Orlando Pirates a controversial 1-0 victory against Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto Derby. Referee Masixole Bambiso indicated the spot kick after Njabulo Blom pulled Relebohile Mofokeng behind. To help the Pirates win the Derby for the fourth consecutive year, Maswanganyi chose to use the Panenka to chip the ball over the moving Bruce Bvuma. With the victory, the Pirates maintain their lead over leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who now have 30 points from 12 games, three more than the African Giants.
Amakhosi nearly ended the draw in the second minute as the Bucs’ defence lost focus; nevertheless, Sipho Chaine was aware of the threat and stopped Pule Mmodi in a one-on-one encounter. Eighteen minutes later, the Pirates also knocked on the door when playmaker Maswanganyi found Mofokeng with a pass that split the defence and was calmly handled by Miguel Inacio. Shortly after a mistake by Chiefs at the back, Thalente Mbatha missed his shot with Bvuma out of place. Deano Van Rooyen’s header went past the bar with his cross.
The Spanish coach looked to Evidence Makgopa, who replaced Mabasa in the 74th minute, to find the game-winning goal. On the opposite end, Ranga Chivaviro was keen to impress in consecutive games, but his low-drilled shot fell short. A few seconds later, Chivaviro called Chaine into action once more, and the goalie was able to handle the attempt. With a strong attempt in the 80th minute that ended in a corner following Bvuma’s save, Hotto came very close to winning the game.
Blom pulled Mofokeng from behind as the game was headed to a goalless draw for the first time since October 2017, and Maswanganyi chipped the ball to create a Panenka as Bruce Bvuma shifted from his line to the right. But the punishment appeared to be quite contentious.
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