Defending champions Orlando Pirates climbed to the summit of the Betway Premiership standings following a convincing 3-0 victory over Chippa United at Kings Park Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Second-half strikes from Gamphani Lungu, Lebone Seema, and Daniel Msendami sealed all three points for the Buccaneers, allowing them to leapfrog arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs to the top of the log on goal difference. Both Soweto giants currently sit on seven points after recording two wins and a draw from their opening three league fixtures.
Here are four key takeaways from the encounter in Durban.
1. BAFANA BAFANA PLAYERS RESPOND TO ABDESLAM OUADDOU’S CRITICISM
Despite a slow start in the first half, the Bafana Bafana players who received criticism from coach Abdeslam Ouaddou after their 1-1 draw against AmaZulu FC also came to the party against Chippa United. Both Kamogelo Sebelebele and Oswin Appollis were decent for the Buccaneers.
Sebelebele was solid in defence and helped the side also in attack, especially in the second half. Appollis as well was full of energy, giving the visitors ammunition in attack.
2. WHAT WENT WRONG FOR CHIPPA UNITED ON SUNDAY?
Despite being able to go toe to toe against Pirates until the 60th minute, Chippa lost their structure after conceding their first goal in the 61st minute. This also resulted in Pirates gaining momentum and dominating the match in the last 25 minutes.
As a result of the pressure, the visitors scored two more goals to secure the important win and go to the top of the log.
3. CAMREN DANSIN IMPRESSIVE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE PARK
Camren Dansin is rapidly carving out an indispensable role in Pirates’ engine room. After featuring sparingly last term, the 21-year-old midfielder looks primed for regular minutes under coach Ouaddou this season.
During the clash against Chippa, Dansin turned in a performance well beyond his years, orchestrating the tempo with supreme composure and vision. The South Africa youth international also tested the defence with a few sharp efforts, signalling that he is firmly a player to watch in the Betway Premiership this campaign.
4. WHY ORLANDO PIRATES COACH IS PATIENT WITH YANELA MBUTHUMA
Despite failing to convert chances, there is more to Yanela Mbuthuma’s contribution to Pirates, hence Abdeslam Ouaddou keeps showing faith in the 24-year-old. His ability to penetrate the opposition defence as he did against Chippa on Sunday is one of the key factors why he remains an important part of the side.
It is difficult for opposition players to rest with Mbuthumba in attack; perhaps his impact will also be more visible when he starts banging in the goals.
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