Tyren Arendse, out of soccer for most of the season after being injured in an accident, fell to his knees and kissed the rain-soaked turf at Ellis Park on Wednesday night after Orlando Pirates scraped home with a narrow 1-0 Premier Soccer League (PSL) win against a gallant Lamontville Golden Arrows.
It was an expressive gesture from Arendse to indicate luck was on his side, with the former Santos striker coming on as an 82nd-minute substitute and scoring the game’s solitary goal with his first kick of the match.
At the same time, Pirates coach Kosta Papic leapt in the air with glee following a timely and inspired substitution that keeps the Buccaneers well in the fore in the PSL title race — two points behind new log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns and a point behind Kaizer Chiefs, with a game in hand over the second-placed defending champions.
And yet the late outbreak of euphoria in the Buccaneers’ camp contrasted markedly with the anxiety that pervaded play for much of the game’s 90 minutes, with Arrows adjusting much better to the persistent rain and looking the more composed and accomplished team.
”I must congratulate Pirates on their victory,” said Arrows coach Khabo Zondo afterwards, ”but if they are potential champions, I don’t know how good we are.”
Indeed, Arrows outplayed Pirates in the opening half, in particular, and missed three gilt-edged opportunities of opening the score — with Buccaneers goalkeeper Francis Chansa making two breathtaking saves.
And even in the second period, with striker Mabhuti Khanyeza a thorn in the side of the Pirates defence, it was Arrows who generally looked more likely to score.
Pirates, however, appeared to open the score in the 50th minute with a deflected pile-driver from full-back Lucas Thwala.
But after a great deal of celebrating among the Bucs players, the goal was disallowed by referee Ace Ncobo for reasons that were not immediately apparent — and Pirates officials, no doubt, will claim a measure of justice was done with the advent of Arendse’s lifesaver. — Sapa