Evidence Makgopa bagged a brace as Orlando Pirates secured a 3-0 victory over Polokwane City in the Betway Premiership at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday afternoon.
Monnapule Saleng was also on the scoresheet, breaking the deadlock in the second half.
The Buccaneers came to the match having not tasted a defeat in eight games they had played across all competitions. Meanwhile, Rise and Shine opened the season with a victory over AmaZulu FC in the league outing.
The match began with a slow pace but with Pirates demonstrating significant dominance in ball possession, while the visitors struggled to maintain control. Nevertheless, Jose Riveiro’s side was unable to generate sufficient clear-cut chances to secure an early goal.
Pirates aimed to exploit the left flank, particularly through Relebohile Mofokeng, with Deon Hotto and Monnapule Saleng also contributing to the overload in that area.
On the other hand, in an effort to disrupt the hosts’ rhythm, Polokwane goalkeeper Michael Sapunga initiated time-wasting tactics early in the contest.
PLK CITY LOOKED TO HURT PIRATES IN TRANSITION
Transition play seemed to be a solution for City, often launching long balls towards Hlayisi Chauke upon regaining possession. Oswin Appollis played a key role on the left flank, joining Chauke in these counterattacks.
After a half-hour mark, Polokwane City became more assertive, pushing forward and challenging Pirates more in midfield.
Kabelo Dlamini came close to opening the scoring in the 45th minute with a well-struck free-kick that narrowly missed the target.
The teams went into halftime scoreless.
In the opening ten minutes of the second half, Polokwane City continued their defensive approach, retreating when out of possession and launching quick attacks when they regained the ball.
SALENG PUT PIRATES AHEAD IN SECOND HALF
But in the 54th minute, Saleng broke the deadlock when he slotted in the ball past Sapunga from close range after receiving a pass from Mofokeng. This was his fourth goal of the season having played in nine matches in all competitions.
The goalscorer, Saleng was taken off just three minutes after scoring, with Karim Kimvuidi replacing him.
The Limpopo side had no choice but to come out of their shell hoping to work out something upfront. However, the Sea Robbers made it difficult for them to find the breakthrough.
Phuti Mohafe’s men kept on making more box entries as the match neared its conclusion.
But Pirates doubled the lead in the 86th minute when Evidence Makgopa capitalised on the rebound from Sapunga’s save of a shot taken by Kimvuidi. He returned and bagged his brace in the additional time exploiting another goalkeeper’s mistake to ensure the home side keep maximum points at home.
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