Posted in Match Report, News on Jul 28, 2019.
Kaizer Chiefs 0
Orlando Pirates (2) 2 (Mulenga 19’, Lorch 30’)
Kaizer Chiefs were upset 2-0 by Orlando Pirates in the eighth instalment of the Carling Black Label on Saturday afternoon at FNB Stadium. Clifford Mulenga and Thembinkosi Lorch grabbed the goals for the Buccaneers as Chiefs were left to rue multiple golden chances in the match.
There were chances from both sides as early as the first minute with Dumsani Zuma testing Wayne Sandilands while Justin Shonga got in an early shot as well.
Lorenzo Gordinho would be the next to test Sandilands in the 9th minute from a Bernard Parker free-kick but the Pirates keeper was equal to the task.
Bernard Parker, voted as captain by supporters before kick-off, showed why the supporters entrusted him with the job. He was constantly involved in the Amakhosi attacks whether creating chances or taking shots himself whilst also not neglecting his defensive duties.
A lapse in concentration in the 19th minute cost Chiefs the lead as an erratic pass from Bruce Bvuma saw Daniel Cardoso dispossessed before Mulenga pounced on Lorch’s saved shot to put Pirates in front.
Lazalous Kambole had a golden opportunity to equalise four minutes later. Our new No. 7 missed the target with the goal gaping from a Ramahlwe Mphahlele square pass with the keeper well beaten.
Pirates would then double their lead in the 30th minute with a long-range strike by Lorch, who had been relatively quiet in the match up to this point.
The Buccaneers grew in confidence continuing to be a threat on the counterattack forcing Bvuma to do well to keep out a rampant attack in 37th minute when a goal looked certain.
Amakhosi were not shaken by the two-goal deficit though as they created chances in their quest to restore parity in the match. Kambole was on the end of an attack in the 38th minute when he was perfectly teed up by Zuma but had his shot blocked.
Chiefs appeared to be doing everything right in the final third with luck just not on their side. This was further compounded by Mphahlele having to go off in the 44th minute to a hamstring problem. Reeve Frosler came on to replace him.
Kambole would again be on the end of a chance on the stroke of half-time but couldn’t make a sweet connection with Zuma’s cross. Pirates took a two-goal cushion into the break.
In the second stanza, the supporters voted in Kabelo Mahlasela so champion coach Tsietsi Benny Majoro opted to have Siphelele Ntshangase withdrawn.
The 59th minute summed up the afternoon for Amakhosi as Billiat forced a spill from Wayne Sandilands with Kambole only able to find the side-netting from the rebound.
That would be the Zambian’s last involvement as Leonardo Castro came on to replace him in the 63rd minute.
Samir Nurković and Lebogang Manyama were later brought into the match in the 67th minute when they replaced Billiat and Zuma respectively. It would only take two minutes for Nurković to get a shot in but from a tight angle, he could only fire skywards.
Pirates at this point in the match were satisfied with their two-goal lead and were happy to see out the match.
Chances were few and far between for the remainder of the match as Pirates would resist a wave of Amakhosi attacks to come out victors in this preseason encounter.
Key moment in the match:
Kaizer Chiefs were all over Orlando Pirates in every regard up until the wayward pass that the Buccaneers capitalised on. From then on, confidence in the Pirates camp grew as they actually got into the game before scoring again only minutes later.
Most Valuable Player (MVP):
Despite not having done much else besides his wonder strike in the 30th minute, Thembinkosi Lorch was voted as Man of the Match by supporters. His long-range strike doubled Pirates’ lead and effectively sealed the win for the Sea Robbers.
What it means:
Kaizer Chiefs miss out on the opportunity to equal their rivals on four Carling Black Label Cup wins. As a result, Orlando Pirates win their fifth Carling Black Label Cup and their first in regulation time.
Chiefs XI: Bvuma; Mphahlele (Frosler 44’), Gordinho, Cardoso, Mathoho; Katsande, Ntshangase (Mahlasela 53’), Zuma (Manyama 67’), Billiat (Nurković 67’); Parker, captain (Shopane 90’+5), Kambole (Castro 62’)
Subs not used: Akpeyi, Ntiya-Ntiya, Ngezana
Champion coach: Tsietsi Benny Majoro
Pirates XI: Sandilands; Jele, Maela (Sam 62’), Chabalala, Dube (Nyauza 78’); Motshwari, Memela (Mlambo 63’), Pule, Lorch (Makaringe 52’); Shonga (Mhango 74’), Mulenga (Lepasa 87’)
Subs not used: Mpontshane, Dlamini
Champion coach: Kagisho Moleme
Next Match:
The first match of the 2019/2020 Absa Premiership season will be a tricky visit to Makhulong Stadium in Thembisa to face Owen Da Gama’s Highlands Park. The match is scheduled for Sunday, 4 July 2019. Kick-off is at 15:00