Orlando Pirates return to winning ways with emphatic Chippa United victory

Orlando Pirates returned to winning ways with a convincing 3-0 victory over Chippa United in a Premiership match at Kings Park Stadium on Sunday.

The Buccaneers responded to their disappointing midweek draw with AmaZulu by scoring three times after half-time, with Gamphani Lungu, Lebone Seema and Daniel Msendami finding the net.

The result moved Pirates to the top of the log on seven points, level with Kaizer Chiefs and AmaZulu but ahead on goal difference.

For Chippa United, the defeat extended their winless run to three matches. They had previously drawn with Golden Arrows and Richards Bay, a sequence which has increased the early pressure on coach Brandon Truter.

Pirates had been frustrated by AmaZulu at the same venue on Wednesday but set out to make amends from the opening whistle. They controlled much of the first half and regularly pushed forward, although Chippa’s deep defensive shape limited their opponents to efforts from distance.

The Chilli Boys looked to attack on the transition and twice threatened to catch Pirates on the break. Despite their territorial dominance, the home side struggled to create clear opportunities, with a lack of invention in midfield preventing them from turning possession into a breakthrough.

Chippa gradually became more involved as the first half progressed. Sirgio Kammies went closest for the visitors when his teasing effort from outside the penalty area forced Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine to dive towards the post and keep the ball out.

Oswin Appollis was among Chippa’s liveliest players before the interval, but the rest of the team struggled to match his energy.

Pirates created the clearest opening of the contest shortly after the restart. Chippa lost possession in their own half, allowing Patrick Maswanganyi to beat a defender, but goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali intervened to deny him.

The pressure eventually told shortly before the hour mark. Lungu collected the opportunity to shoot from outside the box and beat Nwabali for his second goal of the season.

Pirates quickly extended their advantage. Three minutes after the opener, Seema was left unmarked inside the penalty area and headed home from Deon Hotto’s corner to make it 2-0.

The second half was a marked improvement from the Buccaneers, who played with greater intensity and energy. Chippa found it increasingly difficult to deal with Pirates’ aggressive pressing and sustained pressure.

The visitors’ defensive problems continued late on when a mistake presented substitute Msendami with the chance to seal the victory. He took advantage to score Pirates’ third goal and complete a commanding result.

The emphatic win gave Orlando Pirates the response they had been seeking after their midweek disappointment, while Chippa United must now look for a first victory in their next fixture.

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