Orlando Pirates ended their 12-match winless run in the Absa Premiership, following their 2-0 victory over Maritzburg United on Tuesday evening. 

The match got off to a slow start, with both sides struggling to hold on to possession of the ball in the opening exchanges of the match.

Maritzburg came close to opening the scoring in the fourth minute when Evans Rusike flicked the ball on to Lebohang Maboe in space, but the forward’s cross into the area proved wasteful.

The Team of Choice had a couple of chances to take the lead in the opening exchanges, but a lack of composure from the likes of Andrea Fillecia and Deolin Mekoa let them down in the final third.

However, the home side took the lead in the 13th minute when Ayanda Gcaba rose highest to head the ball into the back of the net after latching on to a corner from Oupa Manyisa.

The Buccaneers grew in confidence while the Team of Choice struggled to carve out any clear-cut opportunities in the final third.

Maritzburg were then handed a golden opportunity to draw level, but goalkeeper Siyabonga Mpontshane did well to deny Maboe’s effort from point-blank range.

After the first 45 minutes of the match, Pirates went into the half time interval with a 1-0 lead over the Team of Choice.

Maritzburg were dealt a major blow in the 51st minute when Brian Onyango was sent-off after receiving a second bookable offence for a harsh challenge on striker Tendai Ndoro.

Fadlu Davids side had another opportunity to level matters when Kurt Lentjies played Maboe through on goal, but the forward took a touch-too-much on the ball and saw his effort blocked by Pirates defender Happy Jele.

However, Pirates then doubled their lead in the 79th minute when substitute Dove Wome guided the ball into the back of the net past the onrushing goalkeeper’s legs.

Things went from bad to worse for Maritzburg as they were reduced to nine-men after Mekoa got his second yellow card for a late tackle on Memela.

The Buccaneers held on to their 2-0 lead until the final whistle to secure all three points and end their 12-match winless run in the Absa Premiership.

Meanwhile, Bidvest Wits cruised to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Golden Arrows at the Bidvest Stadium through a brace by Mogakolodi Ngele and a goal by Frank Mhango.

While Baroka clinched a 2-1 victory over Free State Stars at the Peter Mokaba Stadium when a brace by Maboke Phineas Matlakala cancelled out a goal by Mohammed Anas.

Chippa United and Polokwane City were forced to share the spoils after playing out to a goalless draw at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

Image: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix