Share

Wits edge Pirates to extend PSL lead

Cape Town - Cuthbert Malajila's goal helped Bidvest Wits beat Orlando Pirates 1-0 in an Absa Premiership match at the Bidvest Stadium in Johannesburg on Thursday night.

As it happened: Bidvest Wits 1-0 Orlando Pirates

The hard-fought victory took the Students to the top of the league table, while the Buccaneers stay eighth on the standings.

Bucs threatened first when Abbubaker Mobara surged forward and he unleashed a shot which was saved by Wits goalkeeper Josephs in the ninth minute.

Josephs was also called into action 13 minutes later and he punched away Mpho Makola's free-kick as the visitors continued to search for the opening goal.

The Clever Boys also launched a few attacks, but they were struggling to penetrate the Bucs defence which was marshalled by Happy Jele.

Former Pirates goalkeeper Josephs denied Makola again from a free-kick in the 40th minute - ensuring that the first-half ended goalless.

The deadlock was finally broken 11 minutes into the second-half and it was super-sub Cuthbert Malajila, who gave the home side the lead.

The Zimbabwe international scored with a composed finish - beating Pirates goalkeeper Siyabonga Mpontshane to make it 1-0 to Wits.

Pirates created a few chances as they looked to restore parity, but they could not beat Josephs, who brilliantly denied Thabo Rakhale in the 62nd minute.

Wits also had chances in the late stages of the match which they missed. However, they did hold onto their slender lead and ultimately, they emerged 1-0 winners on the night.

Wits 1 (Malajila 56')

Pirates 0

Teams:

Wits: Josephs, Hlatshwayo, Khumalo, Frosler, Hlanti, Motshwari, Ntshangase, Monare, Myeni (Malajila 46'), Mahlambi (Pelembe 74'), Mhango (Pule 87').

Pirates: Mpotshane, Gcaba (Ndoro 70'), Jele, Matlaba, Phungwayo, Sarr, Mobara, Manyisa, Rakhale (Wome 77'), Makola (Qalinge 70'), Gabuza.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should the Proteas pick Faf du Plessis for the T20 World Cup in West Indies and the United States in June?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Faf still has a lot to give ...
67% - 852 votes
No! It's time to move on ...
33% - 419 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE