Orlando Pirates recorded a historic win over Mamelodi Sundowns when they beat them 1-0 at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday night, in what was their first win at home against the Brazilians in seven years.
Playing in front of a sold-out and electric atmosphere at Orlando Stadium, on form striker Gabadinho Mhango scored the only goal of the game to take his tally to 11 goals in the league in only 15 matches he has played.
This sees the newly appointed coach Josef Zinnbauer’s record reflecting four matches, three wins and a draw.
The German-born coach was full of praise for the business-like approach from his players in achieving this result.
The win sees Pirates consolidating their place in the top six with 24 points from 17 matches, 17 points behind the log leaders. They can still mount a challenge for a top-three finish this season.
It was also for the first time that Pitso Mosimane lost to Pirates away in the league since he was appointed in 2012.
The Brazilians were also unfortunate on the night as they hit the woodwork twice from the efforts of Anele Ngcongca and Gaston Sirino. Mosimane says the football gods were just not on their side in this game.
Coming to this game, Zinnbauer had proclaimed Sundowns as favourites having watched them play in the CAF Champions League last weekend.
But he employed some good tactics in the first half as he opted attack them inside with Luvuyo Memela coming strongly from the no.10 position and playing closer to Mhango. The former FC St Gallen coach explains his tactical plan for the night.
This loss has also dented Sundowns’ chances of defending their league title as they remain nine points behind log leaders Kaizer Chiefs after 17 matches played.
Mosimane conceded that they made a costly mistake in their marking when they conceded that goal.
Mhango is on fire, he’s now scored seven goals in the last four matches and this record coincides with the arrival of the Zinnbauer at Pirates.
The Malawian international says they’re enjoying the demanding training sessions of the German coach and they are getting the best out of them.
– Report by Velile Mnyandu
Here is your @AbsaSouthAfrica Man of the match. #AbsaPrem pic.twitter.com/sgNNVNZP5N
— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) January 15, 2020
“It’s a little luck what we have at the moment but we work very hard. I work with my players. We plan with my players. We make breakfast with my players. We eat dinner with my players,”
Josef Zinnbauer@orlandopirates #AbsaPrem pic.twitter.com/Hd8p2xEMls
— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) January 15, 2020
