Rhulani Mokwena picked up his first win as Orlando Pirates caretaker coach as the Buccaneers edged Chippa United 2-1 at the Orlando Stadium in the Absa Premiership on Saturday afternoon.
Pirates came into the game looking to snap their six-game winless streak under Mokwena. After having two weeks off to work on things in the international break, an improved performance was expected from the Soweto giants.
Chippa were also desperate for a win heading into the encounter after drawing four and losing one of their opening five games in the league.
Mokwena made three changes from their draw with Golden Arrows, as French goalkeeper Joris Delle was handed his debut, while Tshegofatso Mabaso and Thembinkosi Lorch were drafted into the starting lineup.
Pirates started the game on the front foot trying to dominate possession from the outset, while the visitors looked to hold their defensive shape and counter when possible.
For all Pirates’ possession they were struggling to find the final ball. However, they came close to breaking the deadlock just before the half-hour mark when Fortune Makaringe set up Siphesihle Ndlovu, but the small midfielder fired over.
While Clinton Larsen’s team did grow into the game, they also lacked that final product as the sides went into the break level.
Pirates came out firing after the break and it took them just 10 minutes to open the scoring through Tshegofatso Mbasa. The big striker was slipped in by Augustine Mulenga and made no mistake by stroking the ball into the bottom corner.
Just five minutes later the home side doubled their lead with Mbasa bagging his brace. The former Bloemfontein Celtic man was expertly picked out with a cutback from Thabiso Monyane before he produced a lovely turn and fired his shot into the bottom corner.
Pirates were well on top and had a number of chances to put the game to bed, but failed to do so which allowed Chippa back into the game when they pulled one back with 10 minutes to play. Delle failed to deal with a powerful free kick, which was parried back into the danger area and eventually fell to Learto Manzini, who tapped into an empty net.
The goal for the Chilli Boys ensured that it was a nervous final 10 minutes at the Orlando Stadium, but the home side managed to hold on for the vital victory.
