Orlando Pirates' Relebohile Mofokeng might have been the hero on the day agianst Mamelodi Sundowns, but he was not the Player of the Match in their 2-1 win.
Image: Itumeleng English Independeng Media
The Betway Premiership top-of-the-table clash between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns at the FNB Stadium on Saturday was nothing short of exhilarating, but a surprising twist emerged in the quest for the Player of the Match accolade.
From the moment Relebohile Mofokeng struck twice in quick succession, it appeared a forgone conclusion that the award would align with his electrifying performance. However, the honours went to Mbekezeli Mbokazi, the 19-year-old defender recently promoted from Pirates’ reserve team ranks.
How Mbokazi usurped the Player of the Match accolade from the matchless Mofokeng is one of the takeaways from the weekend's Betway Premiership fixtures, in which Pirates reignited their title chase and the Top 3 race heated up between victors Stellenbosch FC and hosts Sekhukhune United.
The unfolding drama at the FNB Stadium saw Mofokeng, with his two goals, illuminating the pitch in ways few could rival. But while the two-goal hero basked in the glory of goals, Mbokazi's resolute defending and superior performance in the team's rearguard intrigued the judges. In the absence of injured regulars Olisa Ndah and Thabiso Sesane, Mbokazi played a pivotal role in the team's eventual 2-0 win.
Relebohile Mofokeng of Orlando Pirates.
Image: Backpagepix
A few days ago, national team coach Hugo Broos remarked that there’s been a dip in the playing standard of Pirates' goal poacher Mofokeng.
He added that his present level of play would not allow him to break into the ranks of top teams abroad. However, on Saturday, Mofokeng showcased his talent with the remarkable feat of a two-goal blitz against one of the world's leading goalkeepers, Ronwen Williams.
These goals knocked the stuffing out of Sundowns and allowed him to etch his name on a match that will be remembered as a pivotal moment in the current season. Moreover, it saw Pirates fan the flames of their title chase, which many feel is a long time beyond them.
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso.
Image: Itumleng English Independent Media
On occasions, the speedy Pirates players left their opponents floundering in their slipstream as they worked their way upfield. In the move sprung deep inside Pirates' half and which led to the opening goal, at least three Sundowns players were seen slipping.
Afterwards, Sundowns’ coach Miguel Cardoso said Pirates were playing with "the right studs" in the wet conditions, which would have been the doing of the home side (Pirates). He remarked, albeit tongue-in-cheek, that it was a good strategy because it "took our energy out."
He made the point that the wet conditions were not an excuse for the defeat, and he would have recalled that Pirates and Chiefs had the same gripes at Sundowns' hosted matches earlier this season. At least, Cardoso acknowledged Pirates' clever use of conditions in Sundowns' defeat.
When it looked like Manqoba Mngqithi could remedy the ailing fortunes of Lamontville Golden Arrows, he turned out to be a bad sport. When he took over at Arrows, he pulled off a shock 1-1 draw against his former team.
He followed up this feat with a win over Polokwane. On Saturday, he came up against Magesi, one of the weakest teams in the Premiership, and suffered defeat, despite dominating the match. Afterwards, he pointed out that referee Akhona Makalima had robbed them of a penalty. He was probably correct, but this defeat was self-inflicted.
Despite their 66% ball possession, Arrows did not have a single shot at goal that was on target. Mngqithi spent a fair amount of post-match comments on the match officiating. His initial promise was eclipsed by a sour defeat against Magesi, as he shifted attention from his team's glaring shortcomings in front of goal.
Cape Town City’s coach Mushin Ertugral has admitted the psychological burden that is weighing down his players and staff following a string of defeats in recent weeks. Towards the end of Saturday's disheartening 1-0 defeat to Marumo Gallants, Ertugral said there was a palpable sense of panic among players and coaching staff.
As the team continues to plummet down the league table, City are now considered relegation contenders. Their log position marks yet another low point for a club that once harboured ambitions of winning the Premiership. The ramifications of this poor form mean that for the twelfth time this season, City has come away empty-handed, leaving them precariously close to the relegation zone.
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