Orlando Pirates hammered Sable de Batie 4-2 in the first clash of their Confederation of African Football (CAF) Cup match at the Oppenheimer Stadium in Orkney on Friday.
The Buccaneers, in their popular black and white strip, made use of their territorial advantage without giving the visitors much room for manoeuvre.
Pirates’ two-goal win margin has undoubtedly eased the pressure off themselves before travelling to Cameroon for the second encounter in two weeks.
Striker Jimmy Kauleza opened the floodgates and was followed by international attacking midfielder Benedict Vilakazi, who added his name to the scorers’ list with a fine goal.
Joseph Makhanya, who has partnered Vilakazi from SA national under-20 and the under-23 level, scored the third before being replaced by Lebogang Mokoena.
The twenty-something striker, an absolute menace when in possession, lived up to caretaker coach Augusto Palacios’ expectations when he bagged the fourth and final goal.
But the visitors did not lie down and allow Pirates to do as they pleased. They gave a good account of themselves and in the process reduced their deficit by scoring two goals.
Pirates’ win could serve as the perfect tonic before they take on AS Vita from the Democratic Republic Congo in the second semi-final of Vodacom Challenge Cup match at Mmabatho Stadium on Sunday.
Newly-appointed corporate affairs manager Micky Modisane heaped praise on the entire Pirates team but singled out his club’s defenders
”We played against a very tough team but the boys held their own. In fact our defence stood their ground,” he said. – Sapa