Ramoreboli insists Pirates tie not over yet

Larona Makhaiza | Thursday September 19, 2024 09:12

The South African gaffer said the game is not yet over as Galaxy can still upset Pirates. He said the 2-0 lead is not a comfortable lead. “We still have another 90 minutes to play, the coach (Pirates coach Jose Riveiro) said this was just a first half and I also believe it was just a first half and we are going for the second half. The second half can go either way so leading 2-0 in a game of football is not a safe lead,” Ramoreboli said. Ramoreboli further highlighted that Galaxy has proven itself in the past seasons that they can dig deep and come back like they did in Tanzania against Simba. “I always want to say we have the ability and the capability to come back and we will come back,” promised Ramoreboli. Galaxy suffered a 2-0 defeat with goals coming from the two halves, one from the lethal striker, Tshegofatso Mabasa, seconds before the half time break. Mabasa connected with a loose ball inside the box to hit a half volley to beat Goitseone Phoko at the far post after the home side failed to clear off the ball. The Namibian converted left back, Deon Hotto, came to the party on the 78th minute to double the lead and seal the game with only 12 minutes left on the clock.

Pirates broke on a counter attack with Patrick Maswanganyi laying in a pass for Hotto who easily put it past Phoko. Sipho Chaine, Pirates goalkeeper, was hardly tested between the sticks. Chaine was only called once to make a save in the game from substitute Gilbert Baruti who hit a powerful shot just outside the box, and Chaine parried it for a corner. Buc’s defender, Thabiso Sesane, proved to be the busy defender as he made three crucial blocks inside the box to deny Galaxy from having a sniff at the goals. Just like Ramoreboli, Pirates’ Spanish coach, Riveiro, maintained that the game is not yet over as the two teams still have to meet next week and results may go either way. “It is not over at all. There is still 90 minutes to play at least and we need to go back,” Riveiro said.

The teams: Galaxy: Goitseone Phoko, Benson Mangolo, Moagi Sechele, Thabo Leinanyane, Lesego Keredilwe, Kutlwelo Mpolokang, Nqobizitha Masuku (Olebogeng Ramotse), Mxolisi Mkhonto (Gilbert Baruti), Wendel Rudath (Thabang Sesinyi), Omaatla Kebatho (Onkabetse Makgantai), Thero Setsile (Thabiso Bante) Pirates: Sipho Chaine, Deano van Rooyen (Innocent Maela), Thabiso Sesane, Olise Ndah, Deon Hotto, Makhekhleni Makhaula (Selaelo Rasebotja), Thalenthe Mbatha, Patrick Maswanganyi, Relebohile Mofokeng (Nkosinathi Sibisi), Monnapule Saleng (Gilberto Vierra), Tshegofatso Mabasa (Boitumelo Radiopane).

Jwaneng Galaxy 0 Orlando Pirates 2 (Mabasa 45th, Hotto 78th)