Orlando Pirates are up to fourth in the DStv Premiership, after Vincent Pule scored a brace in a 2-0 win over Maritzburg United at the Orlando Stadium on Sunday evening.
Orlando Pirates 2-0 Maritzburg United
Daylon Claasen had a chance for the visitors in the 9th minute, but his attempt was wide. A minute later Thabiso Kutumela had an effort on target, but Wayne Sandilands pulled off the save.
Unfortunately the visitors, who were showing the early initiative, were dealt a blow in the 18th minute when Jose Ali Meza had to go off with what looked a serious knee injury.
Pirates’ first real attempt at goal came just after the half hour mark, but Kabelo Dlamini’s effort flew wide of Marcel Engelhardt’s goal.
Engelhardt made a good save to deny Deon Hotto in the 38th minute. The German goalkeeper stopping the goal bound ball with his leg after the Namibian had run onto a great long pass from Thabiso Sesame.
Just before halftime Hotto had another chance for Pirates, but this time his effort from outside the box went high and wide.
Tshegofatso Mabasa had a chance in the 50th minute, but the striker’s effort was off target and flew over.
Pirates grabbed the led in the 59th minute as substitute Vincent Pule got to the end of a Fortune Makaringe cross and volleyed the ball into the back of the net.
Bongokuhle Hlongwane had a great chance to equalise in the 70th minute, but after getting to the end of a long throw from Ryan Rae, his first time attempt from right in front of the goal flew over.
A goalkeeper blunder by Engelhardt in the 78th minute gifted Pule his second, as his attempt to head a long ball from Sandilands, fell straight into the path of Pule, who just had to steer the ball goal-ward.
It should have been three-nil two minutes later, but Engelhardt made a double save to deny Mabasa and Makaringe from close range.
The German goalkeeper was back in action in the 83rd minute, saving an attempt from Linda Mntambo.
A good win in the end for Pirates, who move up to fourth, eight points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.
