PSL

PSL wrap: Pirates move six points clear

You are currently viewing PSL wrap: Pirates move six points clear
Orlando Pirates
  • Post published:April 15, 2019

Orlando Pirates went six points clear of Mamelodi Sundowns after a 2-1 win over Free State Stars, while Kaizer Chiefs dropped more points away from home against Black Leopards, writes DEAN WORKMAN.

Friday

Chippa United 0-1 Bidvest Wits

Gavin Hunt’s charges knew that only three points would keep them in the title race and despite creating all the big chances in the first stanza, they couldn’t capitalise on their openings and went into the break goalless.

However, with 15 minutes to play Deon Hotto popped up in the box to head home for Wits and seal the 1-0 victory for the Clever Boys to send them level with Sundowns in second.

Saturday

Black Leopards 1-1 Kaizer Chiefs

Ernst Middendorp made seven changes to his starting lineup from the side who lost to Baroka last weekend and it looked to have worked when Andriamirado ‘Dax’ Andrianarimanana fired them into the lead with 10 minutes gone.

It didn’t take Leopards long, though, to find the leveller as Lifa Hlongwane equalised 12 minutes later. Both sides then had their chances to net a winner in the second stanza, but poor finishing ensured that the game finished 1-1.

Highlands Park 1-0 Maritzburg United

Time is beginning to run out for bottom-of-the-table Maritzburg, who suffered a damaging loss at the hands of the Lions of the North on Saturday.

Peter Shalulile popped up in the 77th minute to net the winner for Owen da Gama’s side and push the Team of Choice closer to the drop.

SuperSport United 0-0 Polokwane City

Both sides had an outside shot of making a late claim for the Absa Premiership, but needed to pick up all three points in their clash on Saturday evening.

They played out to a tight 0-0 draw the Lucas Moripe Stadium, however, which could ultimately now see them both out of the title race.

Orlando Pirates 2-1 Free State Stars

The Soweto giants took a massive step towards the title as they picked up their third win in a row against Stars.

A Musa Nyatama penalty fired them into the lead just after the break, before Justin Shonga netted to make it 2-0 for the Sea Robbers with 55 minutes gone.

Eleazar Rodgers pulled a goal back in the 82nd minute to ensure a tense finish at the Orlando Stadium, but Pirates managed to hold on for the three points to send them six points clear at the top, although Sundowns do have three games in hand.

Sunday

Bloem Celtic vs Cape Town City

The only game on Sunday was called off after Celtic fans stormed the pitch prior to kick-off in protest against club owner Max Tshabalala and uncertainty about the future of the club.