Evidence Makgopa came off the bench to score two late goals as Orlando Pirates continued their impressive start to the season with a dominant 3-0 win over Polokwane City at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday afternoon.
Before Makgopa’s late flurry, attacking midfielder Monnapule Saleng continued with his revival as he opened the scoring after 55 minutes in the match that temporarily took the Buccaneers to the top of the Betway Premiership standings.
The brace of goals will do Makgopa a lot of good in terms of confidence as he has been thin on the scoring front, with coach Jose Riveiro preferring Tshegofatso Mabasa to lead his attack.
Saleng, who did not see much action last season largely due to the emergence of crowd favourite Patrick Maswanganyi, will also be highly motivated with the way he has started the campaign.
He has been one of the reliable performers for Riveiro in the preliminary stage of the Champions League, in the MTN8 where they have booked a place in the final against Stellenbosch next week and in the league.
In the early stages of the match, Pirates enjoyed most of the possession and created most of the chances, with Saleng, Maswanganyi, Relebohile Mofokeng and Mabasa asking most of the questions.
For the visitors, coach Phuti Mohafe went with his tried and tested attack led by Hlayisi Chauke, who was supported by in-demand OswinAppollis and Mokibelo Ramabu.
One of the most notable moments of the first half arrived in the 21st minute when Tlou Nkwe’s hand connected with the ball under pressure from Saleng, but referee Michael Mosemeng waved play on.
Pirates took the lead after 55 minutes when Saleng sneaked at the near post to beat a Polokwane City defender and goalkeeper Manuel Sapunga with a close range shot.
Saleng was finding the back of the net for the second time in the campaign after he scored the winner in their season opener against Chippa United last weekend.
Makgopa put the match beyond doubt when he pounced a loose ball spilled by Sapunga in the box as he failed to handle a speculative shot from substitute midfielder Karim Kimvuidi.
Makgopa was not finished as he punished the City defence, who did not clear the lines with his second of the afternoon that took Pirates to the top of the log standings during the referee’s optional time.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.