Pirates sink Leopards



PHOTO BY: Google Images



Soweto giants Orlando Pirates came back from a 1-0 lead to win the match 3-1 in the Nedbank cup final against Black Leopards at the Mbombela stadium on Saturday afternoon.

It was an exiting match between a side from National first division and the Absa Premier league, as no one could spot the differece in the firs minutes of the game. Both teams came to the match with the objective of taking cup home.

It was firewoks from the first whistle of the game. Leopards were to scare Pirates with a long range shots from outside the box. Oupa Manyisa of Orlando Pirates also had a shot at goals to see if Leopards keeper was on his toes.

Pirates real chance of the game came when Bongane Ndulula found himself one on one with the goalkeeper inside the Leopards box after some sloppy defending from Leopards defenders, but the striker couldn’t capitalise on the glorious chance.

Lidoda Duvha were the first to open the score lines from a free kick close to the 18 yard box. Mongezi Bobe hit a low shot that deflected from the pirates wall and it hit Rooi Mahamutsa’s foot to sent keeper Senzo Meyiwa the wrong way to through the net in the 56^th minute.

Leopards skipper, Robert Ngambi kept the buccaneers defense busy as he was looking onto extending the lead with some shots, but were off target.

Bucs never settled down as they were looking for an equaliser. They kept on knocking at the Leopards goals in search for a goal.

It was in the 72^nd minute when striker Thulasizwe Mbuyane found himself inside the box with a chance to shoot, but decided to lay the ball for Isaac Chansa who hit a close range shot, that gave keeper no chance and went inside to level the scores.

Within the space of three minutes, Pirates got their second from the provider of the goal Mbuyane to make it 2-1 for Pirates.

Leopards came searching for an equliser, but were ufortunate as poor shooting let them down. Edward Tshabalala’s header was dealt with ease by Meyiwa.

It became a disaster when Moses Kwena got a second yellow card after some foul play and was immediatley sent for an early shower.

Mbuyane got his second of the day and made it three for Pirates, when Chaansa returned the favour by passing him the ball and he controlled the ball nicely to beat the defender and took the shot to end Leopards dreams.

The buccaneers have now won three major trophies this season, making them the first PSL team to do so after Kaizer Chiefs in 1992.