Castle Premiership champions Orlando Pirates earned their first win of the season when they defeated Zulu Royals 1-0 in a scrappy PSL fixture played at the Johannesburg Stadium on Wednesday night.
There was no score at halftime.
Pirates huffed and puffed and battled to bring down a hard-working Royals in a disappointing first half in which neither side managed to get on top.
Steve Lekoelea, the Bucs speedy winger raced through the Royals defence in the ninth minute only to shoot wide of the target.
Then Royals almost opened the scoring in the 23rd minute but star striker Lucky Maselesele hit the side netting when he should have done better.
At the end of the half Lekoelea had a shot deflected for a corner as Pirates tried to break the deadlock.
The second half continued in the same vein with Royals frustrating their more experienced opponents. Pirates failed to get their act together and looked frustrated.
Royals’ best effort came from a long-range shot from John Maduka that was well dealt with by goalkeeper John Tlale in the 49th minute.
The only goal of an otherwise disappointing 90 minutes came from Lekoelea in the 69th minute. It was enough to give Pirates their first win of the season.
Bucs new striker James Mothibi almost made it 2-0 in the 77th minute but he was denied a goal by a brave diving save from Royals goalkeeper Jypeter Iouta. — Sapa