Ten-Man Bucs Reserves Cruise Past Chippa - Orlando Pirates FC

Orlando Pirates Reserves delivered a clinical performance at home, beating Chippa United 3-0 at Isak Steyl Stadium on Saturday.

It’s crucial three DStv Diski Challenge points for the Buccaneers, who brushed their opponents aside despite having to navigate the final stages of the contest with 10 men.

They went into the fixture looking to claim a second successive win following a narrow victory on the road against Lamontville Golden Arrows. After a mostly uneventful opening 10 minutes in the Vaal, the Buccaneers conjured up a chance through Seth Green whose effort drifted over the crossbar.

That proved to be a rare shot at goal for the hosts as the team from the Eastern Cape controlled proceedings for much of the first quarter. Siphamandla Msezane did however get a sniff at goal in the 19th minute, but could only send his effort from inside the penalty area inches wide.

Chippa had their own chances inside the Buccaneers half without doing much to trouble keeper Bayanda Zulu. Bucs defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi also had a go from a long way out late in the first half, but the break eventually came with the two sides still deadlocked at 0-0.

Pirates were quick off the blocks in the second half and could have edged forward through Green, who went clear on goal but could not find a way past the keeper. This was followed by another close call inside the visitors’ half as Simphiwe Selepe headed wide from a corner.

The persistence paid off eventually as second-half sub Simphiwe Selepe made an immediate impact in the 56th minute as he got on the end of a pass from Siphamandla Msezane before firing at goal to make it 1-0.

The Bucs Reserves could have gone two-up just moments later when Neo Mokoena forced a save from the keeper. The wait for the second turned out to be a brief one however, with Msezane turning from provider to scorer just after the hour mark when he dribbled past one player before calmly slotting home.

With the home side cruising, they were met by a snag in their sails in the 76th minute when Dimpho Madalane received his marching orders after picking up a second caution. Pirates however maintained control, consistently entering the opposition half despite being a man short.

They further extended their lead late in injury time through replacement striker Mehluleli Maphumulo, who showed composure inside the box as he lost his marker before placing the ball in the back of the net.

There was no comeback for the young Chilli Boys, as the Buccaneers comfortably clinched all three points and a clean sheet in completing their biggest win so far this season.

Pirates Reserves XI: Zulu, Mbokazi, Selepe, Mokone, Madalane, Molepo, Mohlala (Nzimande 73’), Mokoena, Khoza (Masilela 56’), Green (Mazibuko 65’), Msezane (Maphumulo 73’).