Johannesburg – Orlando Pirates fairytale under interim coach EricTinkler continued on Saturday as they beat Platinum Stars 2-0 in a Premiership match at the Royal Bafokeng Stadiu m.
Goals through Lehlohonolo Majoro in the 45th minute – his seventh of the season – and from substitute Lennox Bacela at the death, gave the Sea Robbers something to brag about as they recorded their second successive win in 2015.
As for Stars, the writing is on the wall for Coach Allen Freeze as they have now collected a solitary point out of a possible six at home to remain 15th on 18 points after 18 matches.
The win sees Bucs occupying position four with 32 points, 15 behind runaway leaders Kaizer Chiefs.
But a moment of madness in the 62nd minute saw Majoro's go from hero to villain when he was red-carded for stamping on winger Makudubela and there is no doubt that Pirates will miss his Midas touch in front of goals.
Compact and playing as a unit, the visitors showed grit and hunger as they passed the ball around with ease and when Issa Sarr's header went inches wide, it was clear how much Pirates have improved under Tinkler.
But Stars were not to be undone as former Bucs striker Ndumiso Mabena nearly gave them the lead when his shot when inches wide with keeper Brighton Mhlongo at his mercy.
Rampant and in mean mood, Majoro, looking for his second successive goal was unlucky to hit the side netting from a Sifiso Myeni pass in the 37th minute.
Expected to correct the wrongs of their previous game against Mpumalanga Black Aces at home that ended in a disappointing draw, Stars allowed Pirates captain Oupa Manyisa enough space to cleverly locate Majoro in the 45th minute.
The hosts started the second half with clear intentions but winger Mogakolodi Ngele's well-taken free-kick could not beat the visitors' keeper Brighton Mhlongo in the 58th minute.
Pirates' crowd favourate Thabo Rakhale came in for an out of sorts Thabo Qalinge two minutes later but instead of surging forward, the winger was forced to play too deep following Majoro's moment of unprofessionalism.
When Bacela benefitted from Manyisa's unselfish play to score his third goal of the season, it was clear how much Tinkler wanted to be installed coach by Khoza at the end of the season. – Sapa