Saturday’s DStv Diski Challenge match at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium between Orlando Pirates Reserves and Maritzburg United was decided 2-0 thanks to a brace from Mpumelelo Ndaba.
The victory tied the young Buccaneers with table-topping Cape Town City, who will play on Sunday.
Relebohile Ratomo and Gomoleboho Khoto took early shots on goal for the Soweto Giants, who were seeking their second consecutive victory.
In the sixth minute, however, after Maritzburg’s initial incursion into Bucs territory, defending led to a rapid counterattack that was completed off by Ndaba, who headed the ball into the net after collecting a superb cross from Khoto to complete an outstanding team goal.
Later in the game, the striker could have added to his tally, but he was forced into a difficult shooting position and hit the side netting with his attempt.
The home team assumed control of the game during the middle of the first half.
Andiswa Sithole and Asanda Buthelezi, both former Buccaneers, had opportunities to draw level, but neither was able to test Buccaneers goalkeeper Siyabonga Dladla.
Team of Choice’s greatest opportunity came in the 34th minute, when their captain, Phiwayinkosi Zuma, struck the upright from beyond the penalty area on a free kick.
Ratomo could have sent the Buccaneers into halftime with a two-goal lead had he not shot directly at Nhlakanipho Ngcobo, the goalkeeper for Maritzburg.
The early portions of the second half were devoid of clear-cut opportunities at either end, although this was mitigated around the hour mark by Ndaba, who broke through the defense but was denied by Ngcobo.
Mndebele nearly missed the net from a set piece in the 67th minute as the team maintained its pursuit for a second goal.
Ndaba missed a few more opportunities before converting a Lebo Mohlala long ball with a well-timed run in the 75th minute to create much-needed separation between the teams.
Buthelezi’s attempt from point-blank range in the 82nd minute, which was comfortably stopped by Dladla, might have set up a stressful final period for the home side.
The Buccaneers’ defense weathered a late onslaught from the host team to earn three critical points and remain in title contention.
Pirates Reserves XI: Dladla, Ndlozi, Kabini, Mohlala, Mokone, Mndebele (Bule 80′), Moremi, Molepo, Khoto (Mdunge 61′), Ndaba (Nkota 77′), Ratomo (Mabuza 80′).
»Reserves of Pirates Pass Maritzburg«