Absa Premiership

 

Result: Orlando Pirates 1-0 Platinum Stars

 

Date: 20 February 2013

 

Venue: Orlando Stadium

 

Referee: Khulasande Qongqo

 

Daine Klate scored the winner as Orlando Pirates edged Platinum Stars 1-0 in their Absa Premiership clash.

 

The victory kept Pirates in second place, two points behind Kaizer Chiefs who also picked up a victory at Black Leopards on Wednesday.

 

There was a good chance on 18 minutes for Pirates when Klate swung a free-kick into the area, but Takesure Chinyama couldn’t quite get enough power on the header to beat Siyabonga Mpontshane.

 

On the half hour Dinaledi should have taken the lead when Mogakolodi Ngele ghosted past the challenge of Happy Jele and while his shot had the better of Senzo Meyiwa, it came crashing back off the upright. Patrick Malokase then looked to bury the rebound, but shot just wide.

 

Seconds later at the other end Innocent Mkhabela was easily dispossessed by Sifiso Miyeni, but his long-range effort failed to draw a save out of Mpontshane.

 

Platinum Stars’ shooting continued to let them down and shortly before the break it was Robert Ngambi who smashed a chance from the edge of the area well over the bar.

 

It took seven minutes into the second period for The Sea Robbers to take the lead as Thandani Ntshumayelo did all the hard work by beating two defenders before playing in a perfect cross for Klate to slot into the back of the net. It was a third league goal of the season for the Pirates winger.

 

Thereafter both teams were lucky to continue with 11 men on the park as Thabo Matlaba reacted angrily to a harsh challenge from Vuyo Mere.

 

A brilliant reaction save from Senzo Meyiwa then kept Pirates ahead and Mkhabela would have counted himself unlucky not score with his header off a corner.

 

Matlaba then went on an exciting run up the left and with a fierce shot gave Mpontshane a massive  shock as the ball struck the outside half of the near post.

 

Dinaledi refused to give up and nearly got the leveller on 88 minutes when substitute Siphelele Mthembu turned his marker and pulled the trigger, but his strike also met the woodwork, much to the frustration of coach Cavin Johnson on the sidelines.

 

Pirates: Senzo Meyiwa, Happy Jele, Ayanda Gcaba, Lucky Lekgwathi, Thabo Matlaba, Oupa Manyisa, Thandani Ntshumayelo, Andile Jali (Onyekachi Okonkwo 90), Daine Klate (Rudolf Bester 64), Sifiso Myeni, Takesure Chinyama (Collins Mbesuma 71).

 

Subs: Brighton Mhlongo, Mark Mayambela, Bheki Nzunga, Ndumiso Mabena.

 

Stars: Siyabonga Mpontshane, Vuyo Mere, Tshepo Gumede, Benson Mhlongo, Luvolwethu Mpeta, Innocent Mkhabela (Roger Majafa 88), Robert Ngambi, Thuso Phala, Patrick Malokase (Siphelele Mthembu 57), Mogakolodi Ngele, Thabani Mthembu (Sibusiso Msomi 65)

 

Subs: Kagisho Mlambo, Elias Ngwepe, Thabiso Semenya, Solomon Mathe

 

Goal: Daine Klate (Pirates 52)

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