The tables turned completely when Orlando Pirates narrowly escaped defeat by edging ahead of Zulu Royals 4-3 in an entertaining Castle Premiership game at Kings Park Soccer Stadium on Saturday.
Earlier in the match Bucs, under veteran coach Augusto Palacious, led 2-0.
Pirates, playing without their key players Papi Khomane and Steve Leokolea, took the lead in the 13th minute. The first goal was scoerd by Jimmy Kauleza who received the ball from South African under-23 star Gift Leremi.
Before that superb goal, Kauleza, who was on form, drove the powerful shot that hit the cross bar on the 11th minute.
Then Benedict ”Tso” Vilakazi, who was the captain due to the absence of Khomane, headed the second goal home from Kauleza’s cross.
After that goal, Royals, under new coach Clive ”The Dog” Barker, had their supporters on the edge of their seats with a couple of close shaves, one that hit the cross bar.
Usuthu supporters thanked Jackie Ledwaba in the 38th minute when he scored their first goal with a header from Thabiso Malatsi’s cross.
Before half-time Ledwaba got the yellow card for hard-tackling Patrick Thwala. Also at this time Usuthu controlled the game in the midfield but their strikers, especially Emmanuel Buthelezi and Patrick Iwosso, failed with two goalable attempts.
Four minutes after interval, Usuthu levelled the score when Malatsi pushed the ball into the net after good play from Asande Scara Ngobese.
Bucs, who showed lack of ball distribution at this time, introduced Joseph Makhanya for Leremi on the 52nd minute. Two minutes later Thapelo Liau took Sibusiso Mazibuko’s position.
Usuthu took the lead on the hour when Emmanuel Buthelezi put the ball into the net and four minutes later Pirates introduced Andile Cele for Dinha.
After this change, Vilakazi scored the third goal for Pirates. Then Liau made Placious pride when he scored their fourth goal with a header crossed by Makhanya.
Some Usuthu supporters blamed their goalkeeper, Jupiter Itoa, for the defeat. Now the Durban-based club is in danger of relegation at the end of the season. — Sapa