Being a South African is not easy. If we are not dealing with load shedding, we are dealing with service delivery issues, racism and much more. It gets even worse when there’s no soccer on TV. Luckily for us, that is no longer a problem. Local bolo is back, and diski ya Moans is back with the DStv Premier League.
After the long wait during the Christmas holidays and the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, we can finally see our local heroes doing AmaZulu vala, tsamaya and the defenders being dribbled from left, right and centre. We can put on our regalia, hit the stadiums, put a bob or two on out teams and revel in local football talent.
One of the biggest games to kick off the year was Orlando Pirates FC versus Lamontville Golden Arrows.
The people of Orlando came out in numbers to watch their local heroes and current MTN 8 Champions start their 2023 off with what they hoped to be a fantastic start – and the Buccaneer fans were not disappointed.
Ziyakhala from kick off
Both coaches put out their strongest line-ups with the boys having had a long break. Amabhakaniya and Abafana bes'thende – as the two teams are known – seem to always put on a show full of goals for the local diski-loving soccer fans, and both teams make sure to field the best in their positions to bring thrills to the game.
But, while it’s no secret that every team would love to go into a tough encounter with a full complement of players, that was not the case for Jose Riveiro and his injury-stricken side. The Sea Robbers coach was forced to change a few things around leading up to the game due to a few injuries. And his plight didn’t lessen as players suffered injuries during the game. Riveiro was forced to take off Bandile Shandu and replace him with Craig Martin. The coach also took off midfielder Miguel Timm for Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo. When it rains it pours.
Starting Line ups:
Pirates XI:
Chaine, Xoki, Sibisi, Shandu, Maela, Timm, Monare, Dlamini, Saleng, Hotto, Erasmus.
Subs:
Mpontshane, Martin, Mako, Motshwari, Ndlondlo, Pule, Dzvukamanja, Makgopa, Mabena.
Golden Arrows XI:
Mlungwana, Hlatshwayo, Lunga, Nxadi, Ndlovu, Sibiya, Dube, Dlamini, Mmodi, Makhubela, Mutizwa.
Subs:
Mbatha, Shitolo, Mantshiyane, Magubane, Gumbi, Nkosi, Moon, Ndwandwe
Referee: Thabo Mkhabela
Pirates Dumela!
The Buccaneers showed their championship quality and managed to grab all three points and also put a stop to their run of losses. The team was also buoyed on by the 4-0 loss of their bitter rivals, Kaizer Chiefs, the previous night so it was imperative the Pirates make the most of the Amakhosi slip up.
Orlando Stadium was electric as Amabhakaniya beat Abafana Bes’thende 3-1 to end a three-match losing streak. Arrows came very close to grabbing the lead in the very first minute of the game when Thabang Monare's back pass was intercepted by Knox Mutizwa, who didn’t think twice and released a vicious shot that was saved by their goalkeeper Chaine.
After Monare's nearly costly mistake, Pirates focused themselves and played their game. Their patience resulted in a goal from Saleng around the 70th-minute mark.
Saleng's third goal of the season couldn’t have come at a better time. After taking the lead, Orlando Pirates must have thought that they would cruise to victory and bag all three points, but Arrows did not make the trip to Soweto to be spectators.
They came to play.
In no time, Golden Arrows managed to get back into the game in classic Arrows fashion through teamwork and flair. Abafana Bes’Sthende's second-half substitute, Velemseni Ndwandwe, restored parity by cancelling Monnapule Saleng's early strike. The match was drawing to a close and it seemed to be another game where Orlando Pirates drop points after a lead.
The club from Orlando knew they had to give the fans something to celebrate. These are the same fans who booed them in the first half. Talk about pressure! Luckily for everyone invested in Orlando Pirates, they managed to get the goal they were looking for as Terrence Dzvukamanja scored in stoppage time to give Pirates the lead. As if that wasn’t enough, the ever-energetic Vincent Pule put the game to bed when he netted the third goal and scored Orlando Pirates' second goal in the stoppage time.
The much-needed win took some pressure off the head coach of the Buccaneers as they had suffered 3 losses in four games and the fans were starting to bay for blood. As you all know being a coach is hard, but it’s even harder when you’re at the helm of such an institution as Orlando Pirates.
RIP Bucs superfan Baba Goodenough
As great as the result was, fans felt the absence of one of its superfans from the stands, long-time faithful supporter Goodenough Sithole. The death of the superfan sent waves through the footballing community at large and Orlando Pirates made sure that he was smiling wherever he was with this result.
Baba Goodenough was a long-time supporter of the "Sea Robbers" and was seen at every single home game. Come rain or sunshine, the man was there to cheer on his beloved Orlando Pirates team. He considered himself to be the club’s NUMBER ONE fan.
Sithole passed on in the early hours of Friday morning. He proclaimed himself to be the club’s biggest fan and was renowned for turning up at games dressed as a woman. His passing was unexpected and comes as a shock. A long-time fan of the club who was seen at every game, Sithole’s star shone brightest after he went on national TV and was interviewed by legendary broadcaster Deshi Bhaktawer. After that interview, Sithole was affectionately known as “5 Skippers”. His broken English during the interview was a favourite amongst South Africans and from that day forth he had love from everybody in the footballing fraternity.
To the Sithole family: stay strong and believe that he is in the big grandstand in the sky, looking down on you and cheering you on.
Bucs sail on after some choppy seas
Orlando Pirates has climbed to number four in the log standings. The return of the injury-prone Thembinkosi Lorch should add more energy and flair to the attack in their upcoming fixtures, helping the team to convert their chances and clinch more three pointers. But it has not all been smooth sailing for Amabhakaniya and punters will be anxiously checking their odds as the season progresses. With big draws ahead – including the iconic Soweto Derby – Pirates will need to keep their focus firmly on the horizon.
Ayeye iPirates ibuyile.