Orlando Pirates finish Dutch tour with double victory

Orlando Pirates’ DStv Diski Challenge champions completed their tour of Holland with two victories on Saturday, recovering from a heavy opening defeat to end the trip on a high.

The Young Buccaneers played twice on the final day, facing Japanese side Yamanashi Gakuin and Dutch club Sparta Rotterdam. Both matches were played over 50 minutes, with Pirates winning each fixture.

The South African side began their tour with a difficult 5-0 loss against the Under-21 team of Dutch club SBV Vitesse. They then responded with a 1-1 draw against De Graafschap before producing their best results on the final day.

Against Yamanashi Gakuin, Pirates took the lead after 13 minutes. Joy Manqana created the opportunity for Mpho Padime, who finished the move to put the Buccaneers ahead.

Pirates doubled their advantage in the second half, scoring in the 35th minute. Aphelele Nzimande and Siku Kubayi worked effectively together on the wing before setting up Will Henson, who added the second goal.

The victory gave Orlando Pirates a positive start to a demanding double-header, but their final game against Sparta Rotterdam also began in promising fashion.

Pirates needed less than two minutes to break the deadlock, with Manana putting them in front. They continued to press and extended their lead in the 13th minute, when Henson found the net.

Padime then scored again only two minutes later, moving the Buccaneers 3-0 ahead and putting them firmly in control of the contest.

Sparta Rotterdam reduced the deficit in the 31st minute of the second half with a direct free-kick. Pirates were also reduced to 10 players late in the match when Samukelo Zikalala was shown a red card for unsportsmanlike conduct.

The setback did not change the outcome of the day, however, as Orlando Pirates held on to complete the double. The two wins ensured Roscoe Krieling’s side finished their DStv Diski Challenge champions tour with a successful final day.

Their results across the trip included the 5-0 defeat by SBV Vitesse’s Under-21 team, the 1-1 draw with De Graafschap and the two victories secured on Saturday against Yamanashi Gakuin and Sparta Rotterdam.