Orlando Pirates bowed out of the MTN8 with a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Swallows FC. The match was played “under the new normal”, behind closed doors at Orlando Stadium on Saturday night.
The defeat effectively ended Pirates’ hopes of defending their crown as MTN8 champions.
In the match dubbed “the orginal Soweto derby” saw Swallows FC taking the game by the scruff as they started brightly.
Ruzaigh Gamildien netted two early goals in the 16th and 23rd minutes, before Kabelo Dlamini reduced the deficit from the penalty spot on the half-hour mark.
Orlando Pirates vs Swallows FC Match Highlights
Gamildien’s first goal came courtesy of a free-kick, after Fortune Makaringe fouled George Matlou. Ruzaigh Gamildien stepped up to strike the free-kick from an inside left position and he beat Richard Ofori with a low strike.
Gamildien completed his brace in the 23rd minute. A long ball over the top by Swallows FC was intercepted by Ofori but the goalkeeper dallied on the ball outside the box, was tackled by Dillon Solomons and it fell for Gamildien to score to chip the ball into an empty net from 35 yards out.
Orlando Pirates had to lift their tempo to stay in the game. The reaction from Pirates went on to earn them a penalty on the half-hour mark after a foul on Deon Hotto by Vries. Dlamini stepped up to take the spot-kick and made no mistake, drilling the ball into the bottom-right corner.
There was plenty of action to come after the break as both benches made a double change.
Truter switched up his midfield, Keletso Makgalwa and Monnapule Saleng replacing signings Khetukuthula Ndlovu and Dillan Solomons.
Zinnbauer brought in Happy Jele and Bandile Shandu to shore up his defence, taking out fullbacks Bongani Sam and Wayde Jooste.
Swallows looked to extend their advantage while Pirates attempted to draw level.
Penalty scorer Dlamini fired over from a free-kick three minutes into the second half while Swallows’ Monnapule Saleng fired wide of the target a few minutes later.
Substitute Keletso Makgalwa, found the back of the net for the visitors on the hour-mark after going through inside the box, but the goal was disallowed for offside.
Hotto had a wonderful chance to level matters for the Buccaneers in the 67th minute after controlling a through ball inside the box to go one-on-one with Vries but he dragged his shot horribly wide.
The Buccaneers were desperate for the winner in the dying minutes, but Swallows defended in numbers and held on to secure a spot in the final four.
Pirates vs Swallows: Fan View
The result has not gone down well with Pirates supporters who had anticipated an improved performance from Josef Zinnbauer’s men, after inconsistencies experienced in last season.
They have now taken to their social media accounts to express their dissatisfaction with the loss at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday evening.
Here’s a few of the reactions from the fans.
The current crop of Orlando Pirates players are the most shielded, they can commit mistakes with the full knowledge that the anger of the fans will be directed at Zinnbauer, for he is the hated man. It must be nice.
— Makashule Gana (@Makashule) August 15, 2021
One day we must discuss that star ⭐ of Orlando Pirates, we can’t continue celebrating 1 achievement for nearly 3 decades#Pirates
— Leta (@Nxubaz) August 15, 2021
problem is thina supporters we take @orlandopirates serious more than players
— Kamo (@SikitiKamogelo) August 15, 2021
Who played the match?
Orlando Pirates made five changes from the Carling Black Label Cup, with Vincent Pule, Bongani Sam, Abel Mabaso and Kabelo Dlamini all recalled while Tebogo Tlolane went straight into the line-up following his loan spell at Maritzburg United, with Thembonkosi Lorch missing due to injury.
Confirmed line-ups:
Orlando Pirates: Ofori, Hlatshwayo, Nyauza, Jooste, Sam, Mabaso, Makaringe, Dlamini, Hotto, Pule, Tlolane.
Subs: Mpontshane, Mthethwa, Dzvukamanja, Mntambo, Shandu, Mosele, Ndlovu, Mhango, Jele
Swallows FC: Vries, Letlabika, Sait, Mere, Matlaba, Matlou, Nyatama, Ndlovu, Mokoena, Solomons, Gamildien.
Subs: February, Sibiya, Mhlongo, Mohamme, Mbokoma, Khupe, Makgalwa, Wambi, Saleng.