/ 23 November 1998

Downs beat Pirates 2-1

OWN CORRESPONDENT, Johannesburg | Sunday 1.00pm.

ORLANDO Pirates suffered a disappointing defeat on Saturday at the FNB Stadium when they went down 2-1 to Mamelodi Sundowns in a somewhat one-sided Castle Premier League Soccer match.

The Buccanneers took an early lead when striker Steve Lekoelea, who interchanged passes with Dumi Ngobe, scored in the eighth minute. Lekoelea’s strike was, however, nullified seven minutes later when Lovers Mohlala whipped in a scorcher from 20 metres out.

Sundowns skipper Daniel Mudau scored a brilliant goal in the 36th minute when he caught Okpara flat-footed from a Mohlala cross. Bottled by two defenders, Mudau turned swiftly and let loose a fine shot, giving Okpara no chance.

In actual fact, Pirates played very well,but indiscipline cost them the match. Lekoelea and Jerry Sikhosana went into referee Trevor Christain’s book for infringements.

Santos needed only three minutes to score their first goal in their bottom-of-the-log PSL soccer match against Dynamos at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Saturday. Two first-half goals were enough to do the trick for the visitors to run out 2-0 winners and earn themselves three valuable points.

The third minute goal came through David Notoane, who headed home a well-taken free kick, while Reggie Mentoor rounded off the victory for Santos in tye 39th minute when he dribbled past two defenders which gave him an clear path to the goalmouth.

Hellenic beat Vaal Professionals 3-1 in their Castle Premier League match at Iscor in Vaderbijlpark on Saturday. Hellenic drew first blood through Trevor Mosehatlebo, after which Peter Kristen and Trevor Mosehatlebo scored for The Greek Gods. Vaal Pros scored their only goal through Fiseha Begashaw.