Orlando Pirates beat Polokwane City to close in on CAF Champions League places

FILE - Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro. Photo: Ayanda Ndamane/African News Agency (ANA)

FILE - Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro. Photo: Ayanda Ndamane/African News Agency (ANA)

Published Mar 2, 2024

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Jose Riveiro’s Orlando Pirates edged closer to the CAF Champions League places on Saturday with a win over Polokwane City in their DStv Premiership cash at Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Man of the moment Evidence Makgopa scored the only goal of the game in the 68th minute.

After a stuttering start to the season, Riveiro knew that nothing less than maximum points against Polokwane would be good enough in their quest for qualifying for the Champions League.

Pirates played like a team with purpose, and were solid on defence, not giving their opponents much, while creating opportunities at the other end.

Polokwane City, a side that has impressed in the league so far this season, looked like they were holding out for a point as neither side was able to push the advantage home.

With 20 minutes remaining, Makgopa put the ball in the back of the net, and Riveiro’s men were able to hold on until the end and snap a three-game winless run that had threatened to undo their good work and derail their season.

Ezimnyama Ngenkani are now on 29 points, two behind Cape Town City and SuperSport United in second and third place. Their next assignment in the league sees them host bottom club Cape Town Spurs during the week, before a Soweto derby clash next weekend against Kaizer Chiefs.

Polowkane City are ninth on 24 points.

IOL Sport