Johannesburg – Once upon a time, Zakhele Lepasa was “a rocket,” propelling TS Galaxy to the Nedbank Cup title with a victory over heavyweights Kaizer Chiefs.
However, in his greatest game of the season thus far, the Orlando Pirates striker scored a pair of goals that pushed his team to the top of the standings. The outcome must have thrilled Jose Riveiro given his team’s recent offensive efforts.
This win also lost the morale of the Pirates after their 1-0 loss to Maritzburg United, while dimming the Galaxy’s great start as they lost consecutive defeats.
Galaxy had lost their previous home game to Cape Town City, ending a five-game unbeaten record dating back to the beginning of the season.
Even though Galaxy have only been around for a few years, they have already been involved in some mouth-watering brawls, both on and off the pitch.
On their previous visit to this stadium, chairman Tim Sukazi was denied access to the locker room due to an incident that occurred off the field. Sukazi was involved in an altercation with Pirates’ security officers, resulting in a league disciplinary tribunal.
It now looks like Sukazi and the Pirates have smoked the peace pipe, as he strolled onto the pitch with the Rockets on Saturday.
Bathusi Aubass collided with goalkeeper Richard Ofori, causing an early fright for his squad.
Aubass was able to continue, but when Lepasa scored in the fifth minute, the Rockets were immediately on the back foot.
Bandile Shandu fooled his defenders on the flanks before releasing Lepasa, who struck a low shot inside the far post.
Pirates were expected to calm their anxieties, but the visitors’ work ethic allowed them to dominate the game.
Mlungisi Mbunjana defended his defensive line, allowing Aubass sufficient freedom to find his runners in the Bucs’ final third, where Tapelo Xoki and Nkosinathi Sibisi thwarted the threat in front of Ofori.
Lepasa’s mobility kept Galaxy on their toes, despite the fact that Pirates’ midfielder Miguel Timm was mostly responsible for the team’s success.
Lepasa’s work was rewarded by a stroke of good fortune when he attempted to chip the ball over the defense, but it flew into the top corner.