WeeklySA_AdminCONSISTENCY: A seventh successive win across all competitions is a timely boost in the Soweto side’s race to finish in second place
By Ali Mphaki
Orlando Pirates defeated Chippa United for the second time in four days when they racked up a 2-0 win in a DStv Premiership match at the Orlando Stadium on Wednesday evening.
A first-half brace from Tshegofatso Mabasa (which took him top of the league’s scoring charts with 15 goals) saw the Buccaneers overcome the Chilli Boys – just as they did in a Nedbank Cup semifinal this past Saturday.
A seventh successive win across all competitions is a timely boost in the Soweto side’s race to finish in second place.
They remain in third spot, but have closed to within a point of Stellenbosch FC, who could only draw 0-0 with AmaZulu in a concurrent match in the Western Cape. Chippa, meanwhile, drop to 11th place on the log after a fourth successive loss across all competitions.
After a quiet opening quarter hour, Pirates created the first clear chance on 17 minutes when a fine pass through the lines from Patrick Maswanganyi put Thabiso Monyane free down the right of the penalty area, but his attempt at a shot was sliced well wide of the mark.
The hosts kept up their attacking intent and Maswanganyi again put Monyane in behind the defence on 36 minutes – this time the wingback fired in a low cross that was easily turned home at close range by Tshegofatso Mabasa to make it 1-0.
On 41 minutes Pirates earned a penalty when Innocent Maela’s cross clearly struck the hand of Baraka Majogoro.
Mabasa coolly sent his shot from 12 yards into the bottom corner to double his side’s advantage.
Chippa had a fine chance to get back in the game just before halftime when Elmo Kambindu got between two defenders to meet a free kick in full flight, but his header failed to find the target.
CLEAN SHEET
Pirates made one change at the start of the second half, introducing Miguel Timm into midfield. Chippa opted for two substitutions, sending on Kamohelo Mahlatsi and Aviwe Mqokozo, and they were quickly forced into a third when Kambindu pulled up and was replaced by Ronaldo Maarman.
Neither side had any major chances to alter the scoreline through the second half, though Chippa did enjoy a couple of spells of pressure in the final quarter hour – with Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine called on to make a couple of notable interventions to ensure a clean sheet.
The teams will be back in DStv Premiership action this weekend, with Pirates hosting Richards Bay on Saturday 11 May, while Chippa will be away to Golden Arrows on Sunday 12 May.
NEARING END GAME
MFC: Magesi to light up elite league with Baroka, JDR Stars and AmaTuks fighting to make it to the podium
By Masoja Cele
With all the Motsepe Foundation Championship matches to be played simultaneously on Sunday, hogging the headlines will be a do or die anxious fixture between Baroka FC against JDR Stars at Global Village, Lebowakgomo.
With two rounds of matches remaining before the completion of the 2023/24 campaign, Bakgakga BaMphahlele and The Hammer Boyz are tide neck on neck for the third spot in the Championship finishing line. The two teams are fiercely tide on third and fourth spot with 45 points apiece. For the moment, second place University of Pretoria sits on 47 points with two games to play.
Meanwhile, Magesi FC were declared as the outright winners of the 2023/24 Motsepe Foundation Championship after beating Milford FC 3-1 last Sunday. Subsequently, the second and third slots for the mini league play-offs will be battle out between AmaTuks, Baroka and The Hammer Boyz.
Back to the match, this penned out to be a crucial outing for both teams. Dan ‘’Dance’’ Malesela’s side Baroka regained their confidence late in the campaign. In their last four outings they have registered a draw at Platinum City Rovers and three successive wins against Hungry Lions, Upington City and Marumo Gallants.
Through this victories the Limpopo side hopped from position seven to third. After the appointment of Malesela as the head coach the team had a promising spell acquiring satisfactory results. But, later went through a slump losing or drawing matches they should have easily won.
With their latest fairy tale one would be tempted to bet his last dollar on Bakgakga BaMphahlele. Though, the duel won’t be easy, however Malesela will want his players to win it for the chairman Khurishi Mphahlele, the supports and for themselves.
In form players like Kabelo Kgositsile, Dan Ndhlovu would be expected to continue with their rich vein of form. The duo were the recipients of the two goals that sunk Gallants last Sunday.
Nevertheless, for Baroka to come against The Hammer Boyz at this stage is not ideal.
The Tshwane ensemble are also enjoying a good vein of form. In their past four league matches Stars have collected a massive thirteen points from a possible fifteen.
Together with Baroka they are on forty-five points with two rounds to complete the campaign. JDR Stars owner/coach Nditsheni Nemasisi has done great to reach the level they current enjoy. Nemasisi has blended a team that is showing hunger, dedication and discipline in the field. The Hammer Boyz will definitely gunning for the three points at Baroka.
But, they will entrust that their attacking pair of Prince Nxumalo and Ishmael Wadi will continue with their scoring prowess. The duo will be ably assisted by the midfield pair Xolani ‘’Black-Berry’’Nkola and Azola Tshobeni.
Other fixtures to be played on Sunday are:
Venda Football Club vs Milford FC at Thohoyandou Stadium, Thohoyandou.
Maritzburg United vs Platinum City Rovers at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium, Clermont.
Hungry Lions vs Black Leopards at Mxolisi Dicky Jacobs Stadium, Upington.
NB La Masia vs Marumo Gallants at Dobsonville Stadium, Soweto.
Casric Stars vs Magesi FC at GiyaniStadium, Giyani.
Pretoria Callies vs University of Pretoria at TUT Stadium Pretoria.
Orbit College FC vs Upington City at Olympia
All matches start at 3pm
