Tyrene Arendse scored a brace to steer log-leaders Orlando Pirates to a well-deserved 3-2 victory over Lamontville Golden Arrows in the Premier Soccer League match at Johannesburg Stadium on Saturday night.
The Buccaneers led 2-1 at the interval. The Soweto giants equalled an unbeaten record of 17 league games. That record was set by the Pirates squad of 1980 which was coached by Phil ”Mr Jones” Setshedi who is now the club manager.
Pirates players and technical officials had pledged prior to their game on Saturday to equal their record as a present to club chairman Irvin Khoza who will celebrate his birthday on January 27.
The game, which was played on a wet and slippery pitch, got off to a flying start with the two sides gunning for an early lead.
However it was Pirates, the hosts, who enjoyed more possession with Benedict Vilakazi calling the shots in the middle of the park.
Arrows were the first to make a serious attempt when Mfundo Mathonsi forced goalkeeper Francis Chansa to clear his fierce shot for a corner kick in the 15th minute.
Pirates moved one gear up midway through the first half with the crowds’ favourite player Steve Lekoelea initiating most of their moves.
It came as no surprise when Arendse broke the deadlock in the 37th minute after a well-taken cross from Jimmy Tau on the right flank. Lekoelea gave goalkeeper Lawrence Ncala no chance as the ball sailed into the net.
However, the Buccaneers went to sleep after their goal, and this resulted in their opponents regrouping. Arrow’s efforts were rewarded when Sibusiso Sithole equalised in the 42nd minute.
But Pirates regained their lead through Gift Leremi a minute later.
Leremi has now scored seven goals in the league.
Chansa made a brilliant save from the troublesome Sithole in the 60th minute.
Arendse completed his brace in the 65th minute after Ncala’s failure to properly hold on to Lekoelea’s free kick.
The ball fell not far away from Arendse who easily slotted home his eighth goal of the season.
The visitors pulled one back in the 80th minute through Mabhuti Khanyeza with a low shot. Pirates continue to top the PSL table with 39 points. – Sapa