The year 2024 concluded with maximum points for Orlando Pirates, who claimed an important win to wrap up the year.
They beat Magesi 1-0 in their Betway Premiership clash played at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday, making it two wins in as many matches.
The victory also kept them within touching distance of top spot with the only opening third of their league campaign wrapped up.
Their opponents meanwhile continued to endure a miserable spell, falling to a fourth consecutive defeat to remain bottom of the table.
With two forced changes made from the team that routed Marumo Gallants at Orlando Stadium a few days prior, the Buccaneers were in search of three more points to close off the year.
They appeared to be continuing from where they left off at first, creating a chance in the fourth minute for Makhehleni Makhaula who managed to draw a save from Elvis Chipezeze with a firm shot from outside the box.
Much of the rest of the first half however failed to match what was a promising start as the visitors faltered in the attacking third.
They had to wait until late in the first 45 for the game’s first definitive moment which came as the hosts were reduced to 10 men after Lehlogonolo Mokone was given his marching orders for a cynical challenge on Mohau Nkota.
The Buccaneers were quick to take full advantage of their numerical superiority, edging ahead in the 45th minute through Relebohile Mofokeng, who dummied outside the box before producing a brilliant effort that beat the outstretched Chipezeze on its way to the bottom corner.It appeared as if their lead would be short-lived as they conceded a penalty just before the break.
Magesi striker Wonderboy Makhubu however failed to convert as he fired wide despite sending Sipho Chaine the wrong way.Having been handed an escape late in the first half, Pirates looked to double their lead early in the second period.
Midfielder Kabelo Dlamini had an opportunity to do so as he was teed up by Thalente Mbatha, but his effort from just outside the box was some way off from the target.
Such was the theme throughout the second half with Mohau Nkota also going wide with a 65th minute effort from range.
Chaine meanwhile stood up well to the odd chance conjured up by the home side as he pulled off a spectacular save to keep out what looked like a goalbound shot in the 71st minute.
