Orlando Pirates secured a 2-1 victory over Black Leopards in a game that saw Thamsanqa Gabuza sent off in the most bizarre fashion, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.
The Sea Robbers came into the clash on the back of two consecutive defeats to Bloemfontein Celtic and Bidvest Wits respectively.
Meanwhile, Leopards have impressed since returning to the top flight, having gone unbeaten in their first three matches.
The Limpopo side managed to claim a narrow win over Polokwane City in their opening game before snatching a point against Highlands Park and Chippa United.
However, many were left shocked when Gabuza, who’s cross lead to the opening goal, celebrated the goal by taking off his jersey and throwing it to crowd before walking into the tunnel.
Pirates were forced to play the remaining minutes of the first half with 10 men as the veteran striker did not return to the pitch.
Gabuza emerged from the tunnel and returned to the bench early in the second half, but was immediately given two yellow cards by the referee.
The first yellow card for taking his shirt off during his celebration, while the second one came after he left the field without permission.
The Buccaneers had a golden opportunity to break the deadlock in the first minute, but Vincent Pule fired his effort straight at Leopards goalkeeper Rotshidzwa Muleka.
Gabuza had a chance of his own four minutes later, but the striker sent his effort wide of the target.
The forward had another chance to put his side ahead in the 10th minute but he failed to beat the on-rushing Muleka in a one-on-one situation and directed his effort wide of goal.
However, Gabuza redeemed himself in the 33rd minute when his cross was deflected into the back of the net by Tshivhavhudzi Ndou, 1-0.
Many were left shocked by what happened next after Gabuza celebrated the goal by throwing his shirt into the crowd before storming off the pitch and into the dressing room
Milutin Sredojevic’s chargers were forced to play the remaining minutes of the first half with 10 men as Gabuza did not return to the field.
Gabuza was immediately sent off after he came back to the field at the beginning of the second half, receiving two yellow cards in succession, the first for removing his shirt and the second for leaving the pitch illegally.
Despite playing with 10 men, Pirates doubled their lead in the 65th minute when Pule volleyed his effort past Muleka from close range, 2-0.
Leopards managed to pull a goal back after 70 minutes when Joseph Mhlongo’s stunning volley found the top corner to make it 2-1.
The home side pressed forward in search of an equalising goal but Pirates managed to hold on to their lead until the final whistle.
Photo: Kabelo Leputu/BackpagePix
