PIRATES OUTMUSCLE CADIZ

Orlando Pirates fought from an early setback to register victory when they defeated Cádiz 2-1 in a pre-season friendly played at the Cádiz Sports Complex on Saturday.

The result saw the Buccaneers register the first win of their ongoing Spanish tour after kicking things off with a come-from-behind stalemate in their match against Córdoba earlier in the week. 

In their encounter with the Yellow Submarine, the Buccaneers sought to build on the positives displayed in their midweek assignment. That mission was complicated right from the starting whistle when an error at the back benefitted the Spaniards, who pounced on the opportunity presented with Ibon Sanchez providing the finishing touch. 

The Soweto Giants overcame initial struggle in their bid to draw level, and had a chance when Daniel Msendami won a corner in the 10th minute. The set piece handed them the breakthrough they needed as the ball was worked towards Tshepang Moremi, who produced a screamer from range to make it 1-1.

Both sides upped the tempo heading into the second quarter with Bucs keeper Sipho Chaine tasked with making a couple of saves during this period. He completed an excellent stop to keep out a shot from Alvaro Garcia and was again equal to the task as Cádiz attacked through Urko Izeta. 

The next goal would come at the other end when Pirates produced a team goal finished off from close range by Daniel Msendami with only seconds remaining before the break. 

The Buccaneers emerged from the tunnel looking to extend their lead and were presented a chance to do so when Simphiwe Masilela was brought down a few paces away from the penalty area. The resultant set piece was taken by Neo Rapoo, whose shot was spectacularly kept out by goalkeeper David Gil. 

Antonio Cordero had a chance to draw the Spaniards level, but blasted his shot over the bar before drawing a save off goalkeeper Siyabonga Dladla. The Bucs shot-stopper pulled off an even more impressive stop moments later when he denied Venezuelan forward Jerónimo Dómina. 

With the clock ticking, it was up to Pirates to manage the remaining moments and they did what was required as they protected their lead to emerge victorious against the men from Andalusia. 

Pirates XI: Chaine (Dladla 46’), Derbyshire (Xoki 62’), Chabatsane (Sibisi 62’), Sebelebele (Seema 62’), Hotto (Rapoo 46’), Makhaula (Mthiyane 45’), Masilela (Dansin 62’), Mmolai (Mbatha 62’), Msendami (Padime 62’), Moremi (Ngwato 46’), Radiopane (Makgopa 62’).

SOURCED FROM THE CLUB’S WEBSITE.Share