Pirates Off The Hook

MQONDISI DUBE
Staff Writer | Monday February 15, 2010 00:00

 

The match ended 0-0.  Pirates now head for the second leg in Port Elizabeth in a fortnight, firm favourites to proceed to the first round of the competition.

The South Africans, who fielded mostly fringe players, kept much of the possession but without penetration. GU created the first chance of the game in the 13th minute but burly striker, Mpho 'Jomo' Mabogo was a shade too slow as Mandla Mgadla's cross flew across the face of goal.

Chances were few and wide but former Township Rollers' winger, Phenyo Mongala almost put Pirates ahead only for GU goalkeeper, Kgositsiele Senjoba to produce a good save in the 18th minute.

In the 26th minute, Mgadla's header flashed just wide of Senzo Meyiwa's goal. Pirates' defender, Lucky Lekgwathi sent a low, rasping free kick narrowly wide in the 33rd minute.

Ofentse 'Size 10' Nato could have done better two minutes later but his effort from inside the box was always rising. Mgadla who had a superb first half drove a well taken free-kick which was acrobatically tipped over the bar by an alert Meyiwa.

Nato drilled a low shot which Meyiwa did well to beat out for a corner as GU intensified their attacks just before the breather. The teams remained deadlocked at half time. The second half began with GU on the ascendancy after the introduction of Sageby Sandaka for an ineffective Mabogo.

Mgadla inexcusably failed to put GU ahead in the 48th minute after a poor clearance fell kindly to the speedy winger who somewhat shot wide with the goal at his mercy. Again Mgadla came back to haunt Pirates without success as a Lehlohonolo Seema blunder gifted him another clear look at goal. But Meyiwa, who was off his line recovered well and gathered the ball with GU supporters up on their feet. Ronald Chikomo had a chance to grab the lead after Meyiwa spilled the ball but the Zambian was too slow in reacting and the Pirates' goalkeeper recovered in time to avert danger.

Pirates finished strongly after coach, Rudi Krol sent in Andile Jali for Lebogang Mothibantwa, Katlego Mashego for Gert Schalywk and Thulasizwe Mbuyane for Siphelele Mthembu.

GU coach, Manfred Chabinga was satisfied with the result although he admitted that his boys were nervous. 'The boys played well, but others were suffering from stage fight. There is a lot we need to improve on ahead of the second leg,' Chabinga said.

He said they have to work on their tactical awareness and add a sense of urgency in their game. He admitted that it would be tough playing Pirates away in the second leg as the Soweto giants are a strong side. Chabinga's Pirates' counterpart, Krol said GU competed well.

He said he was satisfied with his team's display although the players were blunt upfront. He bemoaned the high temperatures saying it affected their play. Krol said their target is to reach the group stages of the CAF Champions League.

He explained the absence of star players, Teko Modise, Lucas Thwala and Moneeb Josephs saying they were carrying minor knocks.

Teams (Pirates) S. Meyiwa, J. Kamwendo, P. Mongla, S. Mthembu (T. Mbuyane), G. Schalkwyk (K. Mashego), L. Lekgwathi, L. Seema, D. Masina, R. Mahamutsa, M. Mthombeni, L. Mothibantwa (A. Jali).

GU: K. Senjoba, G. Boikutlo, T. Sekanonyana, G. Selefa, M. Mayuka, B. Molokwane, O. Nato, T. Molefe, M. Mgadla, M. Mabogo (S. Sandaka), R. Chikomo (K. Ledikwe)

Quotable quotes'Our boys played well but we suffered from stage fright,' GU coach, Manfred Chabinga

'We have a tight programme ahead but we will see what happens as 14 days is a long time,' Pirates' coach, Rudi Krol.