Orlando Pirates suffered their first defeat of 2024 after going down 2-1 to Sekhukhune United on Saturday evening.
DStv Premiership
Result: Sekhukhune United 2-1 Orlando Pirates
Date: 30 March 2024
Venue: Peter Mokaba Stadium
Pirates made wholesale changes to the side that thrashed Hungry Lions in the Nedbank Cup, as the likes of goalkeeper Sipho Chaine, Deon Hotto, Olisa Ndah and Thabiso Lebitso were recalled.
The Buccaneers pinned Sekhukhune in their own half in the early stages but they nearly went behind on 15 minutes from a counter-attack after Jamie Webber was unmarked in the box and fired a volley that was smothered by Chaine.
At the other end, the visitors had a big chance moments later after Relebohile Mofokeng beat the offside trap to go through on goal but his left-footed shot at the near post was saved by shot Badra Ali Sangare.
As the game opened up, Babina Noko eventually went ahead shortly after the half-hour mark after Vusumuzi Mncube latched onto a through ball by Linda Mntambo in the box and fired a shot past the on-rushing Chaine.
Jose Riveiro's charges were fired up to get back into the game but they were tightly marked by Sekhukhune in the last third, as the Soweto giants went to the half-time break trailing by an odd goal.
Sekhukhune had a perfect start in the second stanza after Mntambo doubled their lead six minutes from the interval with a tap-in at the back post from a cross by Elias Mokwana.
The Buccaneers had an almost immediate response, as Tshegofatso Mabasa reduced the deficit, also with a close-range finish unmarked at the back post from a cross by Hotto.
Pirates had the momentum after that and Riveiro looked to capitalize on it with a double change just after the hour-mark, as Karim Kimvuidi replaced Miguel Timm and Lesedi Kapinga came on for Monnapule Saleng.
Babina Noko dropped deep in the closing stages and Relebohile Mofokeng had a good chance 13 minutes before time to equalise for Pirates after going clear on goal in the box but was denied by Sangare in a one-on-one.
The Sea Robbers camped inside United's half in the dying minutes as they were desperate for the equaliser but Lehlohonolo Seema's troops were resilient and held on to a famous win.
Sekhukhune leapfrogged Pirates up to third spot on the table.
Here's how they lined up:
Sekhukhune United: 30. Sangare, 2. Mobbie, 43. Tiwani, 29. Tshibwabwa, 4. Cardoso, 23. Mntambo, 17. Mokwana, 12. Mokotjo, 8. Webber, 15. Mkhize, 10. Mncube
Subs: 32. Mtsweni, 27. Mkhabela, 36. Ntiya-Ntiya, 22. Rikhotso, 35. Mahlangu, 6. Mtshali, 47. Carnell, 26. Mokhele, 34. Ohizu
Orlando Pirates: 24. Chaine, 49. Ndah, 36. Sesane, 7. Hotto, 37. Lebitso, 4. Timm, 41. Mbatha, 14. Saleng, 38. Mofokeng, 18. Dlamini, 9. Mabasa
Subs: 35. Buthelezi, 39. Mthethwa, 30. Baloni, 25. Kimvuidi, 23. Maela, 21. Kapinga, 15. Ndlondlo, 9. Lepasa, 2. Monyane
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