DStv Premiership Match Report: Orlando Pirates vs Maritzburg United

• Orlando Pirates continued their steady climb up the DStv Premiership log table
• The Buccaneers were comfortable in a 2-1 victory over Maritzburg United on Friday night at Orlando Stadium
• Pirates' goals came from Monnapule Saleng, and Terrence Dzvukamanja, with Tumelo Njoti scoring a stunner for the visitors

Orlando Pirates' excellent start to 2023 continued on Friday night.

The Buccaneers saw off Maritzburg United 2-1 at Orlando Stadium. They had to do so without suspended head coach Jose Riveiro, with assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi handling matters on the field of play.

Monnapule Saleng opened the scoring in the first minute of optional time of the first half; doing so with a fizzing low shot that wickedly bounced right in front of United goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner, who could only parry it upwards into the net. Terrence Dzvukamanja then smartly met a superb free-kick by Saleng with a strong header that left Leaner flat-footed in the 72nd minute, which appeared to puncture the visitors' resistance.

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However, Tumelo Njoti pulled one back for the Team of Choice with a thunderous left-footed shot from outside the box after Pirates cleared poorly from a corner. This goal is already a front-runner in the Goal of the Month catalogue. This was not enough as the home side hung on for all three points.

Pirates is now in third place on 31 points after 20 matches, while United remained in 15th spot, having just 21 points after 20 games.

Orlando Pirates XI: Chaine, Xoki, Maela, Mako, Shandu, Timm, Ndlondlo, Hotto, Saleng, Lorch, Dzvukamanja.

Subs: Mpontshane, Mthethwa, Makhaula, Monyane, Dlamini, Pule, Motshwari, Erasmus, Marou.

Maritzburg United XI: Leaner, Bhengu, De Goede, Palace, Cross, Human, Moloisane, Jooste, Njoti, Loukouna, Peprah.

Subs: Ndlovu, Ndengane, Samu, Makuma, Zuma, Kimvuidi, Tlolane, Conco, Meza.

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Radiopane wants to work under McCarthy

Boitumelo Radiopane is showing the sort of ambition that should inspire other players of his generation.

The 20-year-old lethal striker hopes that one day, he can be honed by Manchester United forwards coach, Benni McCarthy.

'The Radio Man' is already under the astute tutelage of the great Sean Bartlett at Cape Town Spurs, where he is on loan from Orlando Pirates.

Ace "Mr Spot On" Ncobo Explains Orlando Pirates Coach Jose Riveiro's Red Card

Ncobo explains Riveiro red card

Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro received his first red card in South African football last weekend.

The Spaniard was given his marching orders during the Buccaneers' 2-0 victory over All Stars FC in the Nedbank Cup's Round of 32 on Saturday. He and his assistants were seen remonstrating with the referee and HIS assistants before the man with the whistle-man sent him packing.

It later turned out that Riveiro allegedly swore at the match officials, which resulted in his dismissal. While host Thomas Mlambo and guests Phumudzo Manenzhe and Matthew Booth argued the merits of whether foul language should be a sending-off offence on Extra Time, respected former referee Andile 'Ace' Ncobo was steadfast.