Saturday afternoon at Rand Stadium, Orlando Pirates Reserves lost 1-0 against AmaZulu. It was not a joyous homecoming for the team.
After different fortunes on Match Day 4, three points were crucial for both teams, with the hosts aiming to build on their away victory against Swallows and the KwaZulu-Natal side looking to bounce back from their loss to Richards Bay Reserves.
On his return to the starting lineup, Bucs midfielder Njabulo Mndebele provided the early spark as he troubled the defense on the left, initially failing to connect with a teammate as he freed himself to deliver a cross, and then going on his own in the eighth minute and sending his long-range attempt just wide.
AmaZulu appeared to catch the home team napping just before the 15-minute mark and could have taken the lead if not for a timely intervention by Kgwadi Molepo, who blocked what appeared to be a goal-bound attempt with his body.
Sonwabo Khumalo’s ball to Mndebele, whose shot hit the crossbar, nearly resulted in a goal for the Buccaneers in the middle of the first half, as the Buccaneers pushed forward through some deft passing.
Mehluleli Maphumulo, whose header was cleared off the line before skipper Ndumiso Ngiba misfired on the rebound, was the only player to have a clear-cut opportunity in the closing stages of the first half.
The youthful Usuthu emerged from the tunnel with a bit more purpose, ensuring that Bucs goalkeeper Siyabonga Dladla had to make a handful of saves in the first 15 minutes of the second half.
Jabulani Mokone caused issues for the Bucs Reserves in the offensive third, when he forced a fantastic stop from the goalkeeper from just inside the box, minutes before past two defenders and setting up Mndebele, who was also denied.
In the 67th minute, AmaZulu broke into the Pirates’ half of the field and calmly finished to make the score 1-0.
Mokone’s chip into the box narrowly eluded an extended Mpumelelo Ndaba, who slid frantically in front of an open goal.
Their greatest chance came in the 84th minute when Mokone’s first-time shot was saved by the goalkeeper near the near post.
AmaZulu’s lone goal ultimately proved decisive, as Pirates were unable to salvage a draw on the day.
Pirates Reserves XI: Dladla, Spandiel, Ngiba, Ndlozi, Kabini, Molepo (Matjeni 78′), Khumalo (Moremi 72′),Mokone, Maphumulo (Ndaba 72′), Mohlala (Mdunge 62′).