Rhulani Claims First Bucs Win Thanks To Mabasa’s Brace
By Phumlani Saul
Bucs caretaker coach Rhulani Mokwena, made three changes from their stalemate with Golden Arrows, giving French goalkeeper Joris Delle his debut, while Tshegofatso Mabaso and Thembinkosi Lorch started in the attack. The hosts took the initiative to attack in the opening exchanges and managed to hold the Chilli Boys in their own half but they lacked the final product as Patrick Tignyemb was largely untested. The combination of former Maritzburg United duo Fortune Makaringe and Siphesihle Ndlovu nearly resulted in the opener for Pirates three minutes before the half-hour mark after the former setup the latter with a chance on a volley, but the pint-sized midfielder’s effort sailed over the bar. Clinton Larsen’s troops were growing in the game towards the end of the first stanza, but they too lacked the cutting edge in the final third as Pirates ‘ new shot-stopper enjoyed a quiet opening 45 minutes. Mokwena’s charges came back from the break playing with more purpose going forward and they finally broke the deadlock 11 minutes inside the second stanza thanks to Mabasa, who scored with a low left-footed shot after he was sent through on goal by Augustine Mulega. Mabasa quickly gave Pirates a two-goal lead five minutes later after using his imposing figure to turn inside the box before firing into the bottom corner from six-yards out to complete his brace. Mabasa did not have an opportunity to get a hat-trick as he was withdrawn with 18 minutes remaining and replaced by Zakhele Lepasa, while Larsen made a tactical change in the same moment by bringing on Rhulani Manzini in place of Mzikayise Mashaba. Manzini made an instant impact as he took a swerving free-kick for Chippa with 11 minutes remaining that was spilled by Delle, which saw Lerato Manzini poke home from six-yards out. The Chilli Boys were threatening to find the equaliser in the closing stages but Pirates managed to hold on to all the three points while Chippa remain without a win this season.
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