Orlando Pirates picked up a 2-1 victory over Lamontville Golden Arrows in the Betway Premiership clash at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Wednesday evening.
The former Richards Bay duo Nkosinathi Ndaba and Yanela Mbuthuma netted two goals for Pirates with Thokozani Khumalo scoring the only goal for the home side.
Nkosinathi Sibisi, Nkosikhona Ndaba and Sipho Mbule started in the places of Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Deon Hotto and Camren Dansin. Meanwhile, Arrows brought in Sboniso Madonsela and Sibonelo Cele for Keenan Phillips and Osborn Maluleke.
Both teams were cautious in the early stages of the match with each side trying to find a comfortable flow in their build-up play. The visitors found a couple of box entries as they sought to find the early opening goal.
In the 17th minute, Sihle Nduli unleashed a thunderous shot from distance but Arrows goalkeeper Xolani Ngcobo was well-positioned to parry the ball away. Abafana Bes’thende’s defence had a busy spell at the back with the Sea Robbers coming back repeatedly in the final third.
Pirates broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute, with left-back Ndaba rattling the back of the net to open his scoring account for Ezimnyama Ngenkani. Moments later, a big chance fell to Jerome Karelse in the box, but he was unable to capitalise, sending his attempted leveler wide of the target.
The away side returned for the second half and picked up right where they left off, dominating possession and relentlessly generating chances as they sought to extend their lead.
Meanwhile, the KZN outfit struggled to generate any significant goal-mouth action and was largely overwhelmed by the Soweto giants, who were superior in the midfield battles.
A burst of action delivered two quick goals as Arrows leveled matters in the 72nd minute via Thokozani Khumalo, but Yanela Mbuthuma quickly responded to put Pirates back in front two minutes after the restart. Abdeslam Ouaddou’s troops eventually came out with maximum points, returning to winning ways after coming from a draw with Mamelodi Sindowns.
Pirates will remain in Durban as they prepare for the Carling Knockout Cup semi-final against Richards Bay FC set to take place on Saturday, 8 November at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.